The artwork, titled “Portrait of Irma Brunner,” was masterfully created by Édouard Manet around the year 1880 in Paris, France. This piece, crafted using pastel on canvas, is a striking example of the Realism movement and measures 53.5 x 44.1 cm. The portrait genre artwork is displayed at the esteemed Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork features a side profile of a woman, Irma Brunner, depicted against a plain, muted grey background. The subject wears a large, black hat that casts subtle shadows over her face, lending an air of sophistication and elegance. The woman’s attire is rendered with soft and delicate pastel strokes, capturing the texture and color of her clothing, which is rendered in harmonious, warm hues. Her face is illuminated, bringing focus to her red lips and the refined features of her visage. The composition reflects Manet’s adeptness at capturing the essence of his subjects with both simplicity and depth, characteristic of his realist approach. The signature of Édouard Manet can be seen on the lower left side of the canvas, asserting the authenticity and artistry of the piece.
