Édouard Manet Charles Baudelaire, Full Face III, 1865; This particular engraving of Charles Baudelaire is the fourth plate of a four-part series which Manet began in 1865 and completed in 1869. The image was included in a biography of Baudelaire that was published in 1869 and was also exhibited at the Salon the same year. Printed on MBM Ingres d'Arches laid paper, most likely a later impression.

In this portrait of Charles Baudelaire, it is evident that Manet employed both his skill and sensitivity to render the likeness of his contemporary.

Baudelaire's face appears sharply contrasted against the dark background creating a sense of authority and strength. However, the artist renders the poets features in such a fashion that one can perceive a glint of laughter in his eyes and slight smile.

Illustrated In:

1. Harris, J.C. (1990). Edouard Manet, The Graphic Work: A Catalogue Raisonné. Smith, J.M. (Ed.). Alan Wofsy Fine Arts: San Francisco. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 61 on pgs. 186-90.
2. Melot, M. (1996). The Impressionist Print. Yale University Press: New Haven & London. Listed and illustrated as nos. 57-60. 'Manet and the Etching' chapter on pgs. 52-58.

About The Framing:

Édouard Manet Charles Baudelaire, Full Face III, 1865 is framed in a beautiful Victorian style with ornate vegetal relief forms that are repeated in the gold fillet and accented with subtle bronze hues. The contrasting grey and gold woods highlight the subtle tonal qualities of the image. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.