Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Strawberries" (ca. 1882) by Édouard Manet is a splendid example of the simplicity and elegance characteristic of the artist's later work. The painting provides a poignant glimpse into Manet’s intimate appreciation for the subtleties of still-life compositions, a genre he frequently explored throughout his career.

In the painting, a small basket of fresh strawberries is carefully rendered against a muted, almost monochromatic background. The basket, woven with fine craftsmanship, cradles the succulent red berries, their glossy skins capturing the light and evoking a sense of lucidity and freshness. A few strawberries are scattered deliberately around the basket, enhancing the compositional balance and inviting the viewer to appreciate each individual berry.

The background, a soft, unobtrusive beige, allows the vibrancy of the strawberries to stand out, highlighting Manet's skill in using contrast. The palette is restrained yet remarkably effective, with the warm reds of the strawberries and the earthy tones of the basket juxtaposed against the neutral backdrop.

Manet’s brushstrokes are both precise and expressive in their subtlety. The texture of the strawberries, the intricate details of the seeds, and the interplay of light and shadow illustrate his expertise in capturing the essence of his subjects with seeming effortlessness.

Location: The original painting "Strawberries" is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France. This museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

Artist: Édouard Manet (1832-1883) was a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Known for his groundbreaking works that often sparked controversy, Manet played an instrumental role in shaping modern art. His oeuvre includes iconic pieces like "Olympia" and "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe," which challenged conventional artistic norms and societal mores of his time.

Context within Manet's Career: Painted around 1882, "Strawberries" represents Manet’s later period, during which he focused more intensively on still-life compositions and smaller, more intimate scenes. This period of his career is marked by a refinement in technique and a deeper exploration of light, texture, and form. The work reflects a quieter, more introspective quality compared to his earlier, more provocative pieces.

- Artistic Movements: Manet is often associated with both Realism and Impressionism. While he maintained a strong connection to Realist principles, capturing contemporary life with unflinching clarity, he also significantly influenced the Impressionists with his innovative use of color and light.

- Use of Light and Color: "Strawberries" demonstrates Manet’s deft manipulation of light to create depth and volume. The delicate glimmer on the strawberry skins and the interplay of shadows emphasize his mastery in rendering lifelike representations.

- Symbolism and Subtlety: Although seemingly simple, the painting carries an inherent sense of abundance and transience, symbolizing the fleeting beauty of nature and the pleasures of daily life. This simplicity underscores Manet’s ability to find profundity in the ordinary.

In essence, "Strawberries" exemplifies Manet’s brilliance in capturing the ephemeral qualities of his subjects, transforming a commonplace scene into a timeless work of art.