The artwork titled “Eel and Red Mullet” by Edouard Manet, created in 1864 in Paris, France, is an exemplary piece of Realism. Rendered in oil on canvas, this still life genre painting is housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a meticulous depiction of an eel and a red mullet, laid out on a white cloth. The eel is coiled in a dynamic, serpentine form beside the red mullet, whose scales and form are rendered with detailed realism. The background is kept dark and understated, bringing the focus to the foreground elements. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the textures and forms of the fish, emphasizing their distinct physical characteristics. Minimal objects and a stark composition underscore the painterly techniques and attention to detail emblematic of Manet’s commitment to Realism.
