The Spanish Singer

The Spanish Singer depicts a life-sized Spanish guitarist seated on a bench as he plays his guitar. Despite the work's title, the model's clothing is not regionally specific or completely Spanish. According to Juliet Wilson Bareau, Manet began by tracing a photograph of the painting, using the framework for both the watercolor and the print. The etching was produced in 1861-1862 and printed by the notable printer Auguste Delâtre. == Reception ==

The painting's vibrant color, bold brushwork, and exotic "Spanish" subject aligned with the era's taste for Spanish culture. The painting was originally hung very high, but the audience loved the work so much that it was later lowered to a more advantageous spot. Theophile Gautier provided some of the most vocal praise: "With such a spirited voice, he sings out his song while strumming his jambon. We can almost hear him. ... There is much talent in this life-size figure, painted with a bold brush and in very true color." ==Spanish themes by Manet in the MET==

File:A Matador MET DT1933.jpg | A Matador 1866–67 File:Young Man in the Costume of a Majo MET DT862.jpg|Young Man in the Costume of a Majo 1863 File:Mademoiselle V. . . in the Costume of an Espada MET DT859.jpg|Mademoiselle Victorine Meurent in the Costume of an Espada 1862 ==See also==