“Young man in the costume of a majo,” an exemplar of Realism, is an oil painting on canvas created by Edouard Manet in 1863. The portrait, measuring 188 by 124.8 centimeters, is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork depicts a young man donning traditional Spanish attire, indicative of a majo, a class of working-class dandies from Madrid known for their extravagant and vibrant clothing. The subject stands poised, leaning slightly on a cane in his right hand, while his left hand rests confidently on his hip. He wears a black hat and a dark, close-fitting jacket, with a white sash wrapped around his waist, complementing his white shirt. Draped over his left shoulder and cascading down to his feet is a rich, ornately patterned red cloak. The background is brown and nondescript, drawing focus entirely onto the young man, providing an intimate and vivid portrayal that captures the viewer’s attention. The striking use of light and shadows, as well as the detailed rendering of textures, showcases Manet’s mastery of the Realist genre.
