Fish (Still Life)

Édouard Manet, 1864

This painting, like many of Manet’s still lifes, recalls 17th-century Dutch models. The directness of execution, bold brushwork, and immediacy of vision, however, suggest why the public found Manet’s work so unorthodox and confrontational. While this painting depicts “dead nature” (nature morte is French for still life), there is nothing still about the work: the produce seems fresh and the handling of the paint vigorous.

The original is 36 × 29 in. Will it fit your wall? →

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