An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The Spanish SingerEdouard Manet
French, Paris 1832–1883 Paris
1860
58 x 45 in. (147.3 x 114.3 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Gift of William Church Osborn, 1949
In Edouard Manet's "The Spanish Singer," we see a solitary figure, deeply engrossed in his music. The singer's expression is thoughtful, almost as if he is lost in the emotions stirred by his song. Clad in simple, traditional attire, he holds a guitar, poised to share a story without words.
The background is dark and minimalist, drawing our attention directly to the subject. The muted colors of his clothing contrast with the vivid details of the guitar and the objects nearby, like the clay jug and the fruits. This composition highlights the singer's solitude, creating a sense of intimacy between him and the viewer.
Manet's brushwork lends a softness to the scene, giving life to the textures of the singer's clothing and the warmth of the wooden guitar. Every detail tells a story, inviting us to reflect on what he might be feeling—perhaps nostalgia, longing, or joy.
As we gaze upon this artwork, we are encouraged to listen closely, to find meaning in the unspoken. It’s a moment captured in time, celebrating the power of music to convey emotions that words often cannot.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.