Édouard Manet and J. Lefman
That Shadow That Lies Floating on the Floor (The Chair)
1874
Scroll
- Artist: Édouard Manet
- Printer: J. Lefman
That Shadow That Lies Floating on the Floor (The Chair)
1874
Physical Qualities
Brush and ink transfer lithograph, Sheet: 461 x 340 mm. (18 1/8 x 13 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
The George A. Lucas Collection, purchased with funds from the State of Maryland, Laurence and Stella Bendann Fund, and contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations throughout the Baltimore community
Object Number
1996.48.18051
With incredible economy of means, Manet illustrates the poem’s final stanza without directly depicting either the Raven or the narrator. He hints at their presence with an empty chair and a moving shadow, suggesting that the bird is simultaneously perched
atop Pallas, flying across the floor, and hovering above the chair. The Raven’s mysterious shadow becomes a powerful symbol of the narrator’s trapped spirit.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1996; The Maryland Institute College of Art,
through Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest 1909; from George A. Lucas, Paris
through Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest 1909; from George A. Lucas, Paris
Haunting Visions of Poe: Illustrations by Manet, Matisse & Gauguin
Edgar Allan Poe: A Baltimore Icon
Picturing Poe: Illustrations for Edgar Allan Poe's Stories and Poems
Harris, Jean C. Edouard Manet, The Graphic Work: A Catalogue Raisonné (New York: Collectors Editions Limited, 1970; revised edition, San Francisco: Alan Wofsy, 1990), p. 238, #83e.
Fisher, Jay McKean. The Prints of Edouard Manet (Washington, D.C.: The International Exhibitions Foundation, 1985), pp. 110-116, #70.
Wilson, Juliet. Manet: Dessins, aquarelles, eaux-fortes, lithographies, correspondence (Paris: Galerie Huguette Berès, 1978), #89.
Wilson, Juliet. Edouard Manet: L’Oeuvre gravé (Ingelheim am Rhein: Stadtverwaltung Ingelheim, 1977), p. 129, #100.
Guérin, Marcel. L’Oeuvre gravé de Manet (Paris: Librairie Floury, 1944), #86d.
Moreau-Nélaton, Etienne. Manet graveur et lithographe (Paris: Loys Delteil, 1906), #94.
Fisher, Jay McKean. The Prints of Edouard Manet (Washington, D.C.: The International Exhibitions Foundation, 1985), pp. 110-116, #70.
Wilson, Juliet. Manet: Dessins, aquarelles, eaux-fortes, lithographies, correspondence (Paris: Galerie Huguette Berès, 1978), #89.
Wilson, Juliet. Edouard Manet: L’Oeuvre gravé (Ingelheim am Rhein: Stadtverwaltung Ingelheim, 1977), p. 129, #100.
Guérin, Marcel. L’Oeuvre gravé de Manet (Paris: Librairie Floury, 1944), #86d.
Moreau-Nélaton, Etienne. Manet graveur et lithographe (Paris: Loys Delteil, 1906), #94.
Inscribed: lower left in stone: "E.M."
Markings: Collector's stamp: verso "M.I. / LUCAS / COLLECTION" (Lugt 1695c)
