“The Ragpicker,” created by Edouard Manet in 1869 in Paris, France, is an oil on canvas painting epitomizing the Realism movement. This notable portrait, currently housed in the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA, US, reflects the artist’s commitment to portraying the stark realities of everyday life.
The artwork depicts an elderly man, dressed in tattered clothing, standing with the aid of a walking stick. He is shown with a downcast gaze, highlighting a sense of weariness and resignation. His attire—a worn out hat, a loose-fitting white shirt, and blue trousers with patches—suggests a life of poverty and hard labor. His right hand clutches a bundle of rags, indicative of his occupation as a ragpicker. The earthy tones and muted background emphasize the man’s rugged appearance, directing the viewer’s focus to the detailed depiction of his face and attire. The somber mood is further enhanced by the man’s slightly bowed posture and the shadows that surround him, effectively conveying the hardships faced by the lower class in Manet’s time.
