Self portrait with Palette

This impressionist artwork was painted by Manet in 1879.

Manet wasn't one for painting self-portraits. This was one of the two self-portraits he ever painted. However, despite the fact that Manet had little experience in self-portraits, this painting still grew to fame. In 2010 'Self Portrait with Palette' was sold for an outstanding 29.48 million. The oil painting depicts Edouard Manet dressed rather well with a long coat and black hat. As well as this, he is depicted while he is in the middle of his work, painting.

At first glance, this painting may look like it lacks meaning. However, Manet due inspiration from a variety of sources to create this painting. If you observe the painting closely you will see that Manet's hand is unfinished. Manet never officially said why this was. Many believe it is to show him painting in motion. However, some people believe this has a deeper meaning to it. Many people believe that Manet wanted to draw people away from him painting and make them focus on different attributes of the piece.

First of all, Manet's painting is highly influenced by his wife's portrait 'Madame Manet at the Piano'. In a way this could be a homage to his wife through one of his pieces. As you probably know, Manet was an oil painter. Oil painting is a messy type of painting and most oil painters would where old clothes so that the oil paints wouldn't ruin them. However, on the contrary to most oil painters; Manet depicted himself wearing fancy, stylish clothing. This may have more meaning behind it but it may have just been to get a reaction out of other oil painters!

Edouard Manet was a well-renowned French painter known for his impressionist art. Example of his famous works are The Luncheon on the Grass and A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. However, today we are going to be talking about his fantastic portrait piece 'Self-Portrait with Palette'.