Flying Raven: ex libris, from The Raven (Le Corbeau)

Art Historical Context

Édouard Manet, a pioneering 19th-century French artist associated with Realism and Impressionism, created this transfer lithograph in 1875. Titled Flying Raven: ex libris, from The Raven (Le Corbeau), it features a raven soaring across the page, intended as a bookplate for a publication of the famous poem. Though Manet is renowned for his paintings, this print showcases his graphic skills, using economical lines to convey energy and atmosphere. The medium of transfer lithography allowed Manet to produce detailed reproductions from his drawings, printed in black ink on ivory parchment paper. The compact image, measuring 6.3 × 24 cm, highlights the raven's form against the light background, creating a sense of motion and intrigue. Now in the Prints and Drawings department of the Art Institute of Chicago, the work illustrates Manet's engagement with literature and the growing popularity of illustrated books in the period. This ex libris not only marked book ownership but also added artistic value, reflecting how 19th-century artists like Manet explored new ways to disseminate their visions. Visitors can enjoy this intimate piece as an example of how visual art intersected with poetry, offering a window into the cultural exchanges of the era.