The Old Musician
Édouard Manet · 1862
Why it's great
A group of people gather around a violinist in a poor quarter of Paris, including children and a man in a top hat. Manet borrowed figures from old master paintings to tell a modern tale. The painting is about poor people on the edges of society, treated with respect. It's an early work showing his big ambitions.
Where to see it
📍 National Gallery of ArtWashington, D.C., United States
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
About the artist
Édouard Manet1832–1883 · born in former 10th arrondissement of Paris · died in 8th arrondissement of Paris
Édouard Manet was born into a wealthy Parisian family and lived in Paris all his life. He painted modern city life — cafés, bars, and picnics — in a bold, flat style that scandalized critics. He never officially joined the Impressionists, but he inspired them, and they admired him as a leader. He died in 1883 at age 51.
