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"The Smoker," painted in 1866 by the influential French artist Édouard Manet, is a striking representation of modern life captured during the mid-19th century Impressionist movement. The painting, a portrait done in oil on canvas, has dimensions of approximately 93 by 129 centimeters (roughly 36.6 by 50.8 inches).

In this work, Manet portrays a young man who’s persistently gazing off to the side rather than at the viewer. He appears thoughtful, possibly lost in his reverie, as he smokes a pipe—a quintessential symbol of contemplation and relaxation during that era. The attire of the subject, comprising a dark jacket and a white shirt with a loosely knotted cravat, gives a sense of casual elegance. His neatly trimmed beard and mustache further enhance his intellectual demeanor.

The setting appears intimate, possibly an indoor space indicated by the subtle hints of furniture and an unadorned background. This simplicity shifts the viewer’s focus entirely onto the smoker himself. The play of light and shadow on the man’s face and clothing demonstrates Manet’s masterful ability to capture the complexities of human expression and mood. The background, a muted palette of browns and blacks, contrasts with the subject’s relatively lighter face and hands, highlighting him as the focal point of the composition.

Information about the Original Painting and Artist

"The Smoker" is found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The museum acquired this piece as a gift from Mrs. H.O. Havemeyer in 1929, a notable collector of Manet’s work.

Édouard Manet (1832–1883) is often considered a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Though his work would come to be associated with the latter movement, Manet's style is marked by a strong inclination towards the depiction of contemporary life and a bold use of color and brushstrokes, distinguishing him from his peers.

"The Smoker" fits into Manet’s broader career as he explored portraiture and genre scenes, often imbuing ordinary moments with psychological complexity and a hint of modernity. During the 1860s, Manet's works were frequently rejected by the official Salon de Paris, leading to mixed public receptions. Despite—or perhaps because of—this, his bold approach and subjects that depicted everyday modern life laid important groundwork for the Impressionists who would follow.

Noteworthy details of "The Smoker" include Manet’s technique of using high contrast and simplified forms which predate, yet hint at, what would later become more developed Impressionist techniques. His brushwork in "The Smoker" also suggests immediacy and an effort to capture the fleeting moment, resonant with the spontaneity that Impressionism champions.

Moreover, the subdued palette and the introspective nature of the subject draw comparisons to the works of Gustave Courbet, another Realist painter who likely influenced Manet. This painting, thus, serves as a testament to Manet’s role as an innovator who straddled traditional and avant-garde art practices, making significant contributions to the evolution of modern art.