Corner of a Café-Concert
- Artist: Edouard Manet
- Date: probably 1878-80
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "Corner of a Café-Concert" by Edouard Manet. Painted in France, probably around 1878-80, it's an oil on canvas work that offers us a glimpse into the world of Parisian café society. Manet was fascinated by the skill of the waitresses at these establishments, and he even asked one to pose for him in his studio.
As you can see, we're looking at just half of a larger painting. Manet began working on this large picture of the Brasserie de Reichshoffen in August 1877, but later cut it in two, completing each half separately. The right side shows us the waitress as she sets down a glass of beer for a customer.
Note how the table and the glasses are painted with great attention to detail, while the background is more loosely rendered. This contrast between the foreground and background figures is characteristic of Manet's style at this time. By focusing on just one moment in time, Manet gives us a sense of intimacy and immediacy that's typical of his work.
This painting is not only a beautiful work of art, but it also provides insight into the world of café culture in late 19th-century Paris.
See it in person
Corner of a Café-Concert hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
