Marine 1865 - 1866

Edouard Manet created this etching titled Marine, using a drypoint technique, sometime in the late 19th century. Manet, a Parisian, spent his summers in Boulogne-sur-Mer, a coastal town, and this work captures his vision of the sea. The ships and turbulent water evoke a sense of the maritime industry, and the lives of the sailors and workers dependent on the sea. The etching's stark contrast and dense lines give it a raw, immediate feel, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Manet’s choice to depict this scene reflects a broader artistic interest in capturing modern life, steering away from romanticized landscapes to engage with the everyday experiences of people tied to the sea. In this turbulent seascape, Manet captures a visceral, emotional encounter with nature. This artwork encourages us to consider the human relationship with the natural world, and the social realities that intersect with it.