Jeannette (Jeanne Demarsy in a Brown Dress) / Spring
Painting on canvas • Édouard Manet (French, 1832–1883)
Style & Movement
Impressionism / Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; Impressionist technique involving rapid, dabs of paint (taches) and a luminous color palette representing sunlight filtered through spring foliage.
Creation Period
1881
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 74 cm x 51.5 cm (29.1 in x 20.3 in); Portrait format
Subject Description
A portrait of the actress Jeanne Demarsy in profile, wearing an elegant brown dress and a floral-embellished hat. She is positioned against a background of blooming boughs, symbolizing Spring as part of Manet's unfinished 'Four Seasons' cycle.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (Original In-Museum Grade)
Estimated Market Value
$65,000,000 - $80,000,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$60,000,000 - $70,000,000 USD (based on 2014 sale price of $65.1 million)
Provenance History
Purchased by Antonin Proust directly from the artist; eventually acquired by the J. Paul Getty Museum in 2014.
Art Historical Significance
One of Manet's final masterpieces, it represents the epitome of his 'painter of modern life' philosophy. It was a massive success at the 1882 Paris Salon and is a highlight of 19th-century French art.
Notable Features
The model wears a hat designed by Madame Virot; the vibrant, flickering brushwork in the background contrasts sharply with the smooth, porcelain-like treatment of the subject's face.
Condition Issues
Minimal age-related craquelure; stable paint layer; well-maintained professional varnish.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional climate control (50% RH), UV-filtered glazing, and museum-grade lighting. No current treatment required.