The Rabbit

Towards the end of his life, Manet was increasingly drawn towards still life. Here is shown a rabbit hanging outside between a window and a trellis. It is one of four decorative panels which he painted in the summer of 1881 near Versailles. That year Manet finally received a medal from the Salon and was made a Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur. This subject is traditional, but its free technique is assertively Impressionist. Gwendoline Davies purchased this work at Paris in December 1917. Collections Online is updated regularly, but please confirm that an object remains on display before making a special visit.