Lola de Valence 1863

Curator: This etching by Édouard Manet, held at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Lola de Valence." The dimensions are roughly 27 by 19 centimeters. Editor: The contrast is striking! The dark skirt, the light shawl… It creates a sense of drama, almost theatrical. Curator: Indeed. Lola de Valence was a celebrated dancer in a Spanish ballet troupe. Manet's fascination with Spanish culture permeated much of his work. Think of the role of ballet in Parisian society. Editor: Ballet dancers often become symbols of grace, beauty, and even exoticism. The fan she holds, the pose… it all speaks to a carefully constructed image. Curator: Precisely. This image circulated widely through print culture, shaping perceptions of Spanish identity and artistic innovation. Editor: It invites us to consider how artists use symbols to convey layers of meaning about performers and the broader culture. Curator: The image certainly opens a window into Manet's world and the world he sought to represent.