Antonin Proust (1880)

Manet, Édouard (1832-1883)

Antonin Proust
1880
Oil on canvas, 129.5 x 95.9 cm
Toledo Museum of ArtToledo

This portrait was painted in a single sitting using unprepared canvas. Exhibited at the 1880 Paris Salon, it was praised by some for it decisive brushstrokes and bold execution, and criticized by others for its lack of refinement. The intimate feeling of the painting is thanks for Manet and Proust‘s relationship, the two were friends in their childhood and studied art together. While Manet continued to pursue art, becoming one of the most impactful painters of his day, Proust turned to a career in journalism and politics. The two remained friends through it all. (TMA)

See also:

• Proust, Antonin (1832-1905)