Young Woman in a Garden (Jeune femme dans un jardin)

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

In this depiction of a fashionable young woman in a Parisian garden, reflective of his painting style in the final years of his life, Manet conveys repose in his subject's gaze and movement in the swirl of her skirt. Through loose, summary brushwork, a bold line indicates clasped hands wearing gloves, and simple touches of color form eyes and mouth. The limited, earthy palette and the flattening of the figure's face evidence the artist's fascination with Japanese wood-block prints, which gained popularity in Paris during the previous decade through exhibitions of Japanese art.

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