The Cats' Rendezvous
1868
Playful feline subjects demonstrate Manet's lighter side and his skill with lithographic techniques. Mounted on cloth rather than paper, the print shows experimental approaches to presentation that were uncommon in 19th-century printmaking.
- Medium
- Lithograph in black on ivory wove paper, laid down on ivory cloth
- Dimensions
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Spotted works by Édouard Manet
Artists in conversation
Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen
Swiss-French · b. 1859
Steinlen was renowned for his lithographic depictions of cats in Parisian settings, capturing feline subjects with the same playful and observational sensitivity Manet demonstrated in this piece. His mastery of black ink lithography on paper closely mirrors the tonal and technical qualities of this specific print.
Honoré Daumier
French · b. 1808
Daumier was a pioneer of 19th century lithography using black ink on ivory wove paper, producing prints with bold expressive lines that align closely with Manet's graphic approach in this work. His experimental and prolific engagement with lithography as a fine art medium parallels Manet's innovative treatment seen here.
Félix Bracquemond
French · b. 1833
Bracquemond was a celebrated printmaker in Manet's immediate circle who shared his interest in experimental printmaking techniques and animal subjects, particularly his famous studies of birds and creatures rendered with graphic precision. His work on paper using black ink and his innovative approaches to print presentation closely parallel the qualities of this lithograph.
Start the Discussion
Request access to join the discussion