Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883), Madame Manet, 1874–1876, oil on canvas, Norton Simon Art Foundation
The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena announced it will present an in-depth exploration of Édouard Manet’s “Madame Manet” painting during a special gallery talk this January.
Education and Public Programs Coordinator Samantha Cruz will lead the hour-long discussion about the 1874-1876 oil on canvas portrait from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16.
The painting captures Suzanne Leenhoff, who first met Manet in 1850 when she arrived as a piano teacher in his family’s household.
The canvas, measuring precisely 23 7/8 by 20 inches, demonstrates what museum documents describe as “a new freshness and informality of handling” in response to Berthe Morisot’s Impressionism.
According to museum materials, the portrait reflects both “the quiet beauty and famously even temper” of Manet’s wife, who had previously modeled for his first history painting.
The free event, which requires museum admission, will be limited to 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, with registration at the Information Desk upon opening.
The discussion will take place in the museum’s Entrance Gallery at 411 West Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 449-6840.
