The artwork titled “Young Woman with a Book” was created by Edouard Manet in 1875 in Paris, France. This oil on canvas painting epitomizes the Realism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 24.4 by 32.4 centimeters. As a genre painting, it captures a scene of everyday life. Currently, the artwork resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, a young woman reclines on a sofa, her body draped in a dark, flowing dress. She holds a book in her hands, her posture relaxed yet attentive, suggesting a momentary pause from reading. The background is painted with broad, fluid brushstrokes, incorporating shades of brown and hints of lighter colors, which accentuates the serene ambiance of the scene. The woman’s face is slightly turned towards the viewer, her expression introspective. The softness of her features contrasts with the textured fabric of the sofa and her dress, highlighting Manet’s deft handling of both form and texture.
