Man Wearing a Cloak [recto] 1852 - 1858

Edouard Manet made this drawing, titled "Man Wearing a Cloak," using graphite on paper. While the exact date remains unknown, understanding Manet’s social context as a bourgeois Parisian during the 19th century is critical to interpreting this work. Manet, who often depicted Parisian life, was a key figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. “Man Wearing a Cloak” seems to capture a transient moment, perhaps a flâneur on the streets of Paris. The cloak, an item of disguise, adds an element of mystery. It obscures the figure's identity, inviting questions about the man's class, profession, or even his intentions. Manet's work often challenged the norms of representation. Here, he invites viewers to contemplate the nuances of identity and social roles in an era of rapid change. What does it mean to conceal oneself, and what aspects of identity do we reveal or hide?