The Ragpick

Museum Report


“The Ragpicker”
By: Edouard Manet



The Ragpicker is a motionless, single subject portrait painted by Edouard Manet. This work took Manet four years to complete, he started The Ragpicker in 1865 and completed it 1869. I personally viewed The Ragpicker at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California. It proved to be an overwhelming piece of art because of its size and sprung curiosity to all the viewers.
My personal interpretation of The Ragpicker is one of unstability and lacks warmth. The painting brings compassion to the viewer that sparks a curious desire to know more about the old man in the painting. The painting lacks a background and the stillness of the subject allows the viewer to take in the painting in a short time, which I like about the painting. The old man is lost and dazed but not completely undignified. It makes the viewer want to know about the painter’s life and political or spiritual beliefs. Manet live...