Manet Seated, Turned to the Right 1863 - 1873

Edgar Degas made this etching, "Manet Seated, Turned to the Right," capturing his contemporary and fellow artist, Edouard Manet. Their relationship was complex, marked by mutual respect and creative rivalry amidst the burgeoning Impressionist movement in late 19th-century France. Degas renders Manet with a network of finely etched lines that create a sense of depth and shadow. Manet is captured in a moment of repose, turned away slightly, his hands clasped. The pose is informal yet dignified, offering a glimpse into Manet’s persona beyond his public image as a groundbreaking artist. What we see is not necessarily a portrait of power, but of quiet reflection. The lack of specific date invites us to consider the evolving dynamic between the two artists, and to view the etching as a statement of their evolving relationship. Degas's print is a testament to the intimate dialogues and silent observations that underscored their personal and artistic exchanges.