The Railway
Édouard Manet · 1873
Why it's great
A woman and a small girl in front of a iron fence, with clouds of steam rising behind them from a train in a station. Manet painted it near the Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris. Neither of the figures looks at the train, which was unusual for such a subject. It's a snapshot of modern life with steam and iron.
🏛️ Part of history
The Industrial Revolution (1760–1900) — Manet paints a woman and child by the railing above the Gare Saint-Lazare, with the train's steam behind them.
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:
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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.
