Manet’s “La Parisenne” engraving AFTER THE WORK, represents a portion of a painted portrait of Nina de Callias entitled Woman with the Fans, which is housed at the Louvre Museum.

Created in 1874, this work is from the second state of two and was printed by Prunaire. The printer’s and artist’s signatures appear in the plate in the lower left and lower right. This woodcut is from an edition published in Manet and the French Impressionists by Duret in 1910, and is the second version of two with an added fan in the background.


Through the use of varying tones, patterns and composition, the artist’s captures the sitter’s attitude of repose. However with her smart attire, delicate features and penetrating dark eyes, the young female figure commands the attention of the viewer. This seeming contradiction causes the viewer to further explore the work creating a personal connection with the subject.


Jean C. Harris stated of this work: “This wood engraving appeared in ‘La Revue du Monde Nouveau’ as an accompaniment to a poem by Charles Cros entitled ‘Scene in the studio’ (‘scène d’atelier’). The poem describes Nina posing for Manet at the end of 1873…As in the portraits of Berthe Morisot, Manet made use of the device of juxtaposing areas of sharply contrasting value in order to focus attention upon the silhouette. There is little modeling or textural variation within the silhouette and only three values, black, white, and gray, are used. The drawing of form is restricted to a few bold areas so that only the image as a whole is emphasized.” (Harris 221)


Manet’s “La Parisenne” Wood Cut Engraving AFTER THE WORK is one of two being offered, printed on smooth finish Vellum finished wove paper. The work measures 4 by 6 inches, image signed only by both Manet and the engraver A. Prinaire S.C. Light color discoloration on the outer edges But otherwise in good condition.

Art (paintings, prints, frames)