The Philosopher (Le Philosophe) 1865 - 1866

Edouard Manet’s "The Philosopher" is an etching, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. This process allows for the creation of multiple impressions, democratizing the image. Look closely and you’ll see the dense network of lines, which create the figure and suggest shadow. The starkness of the medium lends itself to social commentary. Manet’s philosopher is not an idealized figure, but seems rather worn and working-class. Printmaking has always had a close relationship to political movements and social causes, because it is a relatively inexpensive way to reproduce images and disseminate ideas. Notice the careful rendering of the figure’s clothing, contrasting with the sketchiness of his face and hands. It’s a study in contrasts, between light and dark, richness and poverty, polish and raw emotion. This etching reminds us that even a seemingly straightforward image is the result of a complex process, both technical and social. It invites us to consider the relationship between the artist, the subject, and the viewer.