“Autumn (Study of Mery Laurent),” painted by Edouard Manet in 1882 in Paris, France, exemplifies the Impressionism movement. Crafted using oil on canvas, this portrait measures 73 x 51 cm and currently resides at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy in Nancy, France.
The artwork portrays a profile view of a woman with delicate features and auburn hair, adorned in a dark, rich attire with striking textural detail. Her face is softly illumined, capturing a gentle expression against a vibrant background that is beautifully adorned with floral elements and dynamic brushwork. The backdrop, infused with hues of blue, green, and occasional warm tones, provides a vivid, almost ethereal contrast that enhances the subject’s serene demeanor. The delicate interplay of light and shadow on her face, coupled with the richly textured garments, exemplifies Manet’s mastery in capturing the quiet elegance and the fleeting essence of a moment, characteristic of the Impressionist style.
