The Fifer (Le Fifre)
Philatelic reproduction; decorative stamp/sticker representing a painting • Original painting by Édouard Manet (reproduced here as a mass-market print)
Style & Movement
Realism/Early Impressionism (Subject style); Modern Ephemera (Object style)
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset lithography or digital printing on adhesive or perforated paper
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (modern reproduction of an 1866 painting)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 1 x 1.5 inches; miniature rectangular format with perforated edges
Subject Description
A young boy in the uniform of the Imperial Guard playing a fife against a flat, neutral background. The composition is noted for its lack of depth and bold color blocks, famously influenced by Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e).
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; piece appears clean with intact perforations and no visible fading or creasing
Estimated Market Value
Under $1.00 USD
Auction Estimate
Negligible; typically sold as part of a larger collection or bulk lot of ephemera
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a museum gift shop, a set of artist-themed stamps, or a stationery collection; no specific individual ownership history
Art Historical Significance
The original 1866 painting is a cornerstone of Modernism, rejected by the Paris Salon for its departure from traditional chiaroscuro. This reproduction serves as a testament to the work's iconic status in popular culture.
Notable Features
Distinctive scalloped/perforated borders typical of postage stamps, though lacking official currency denominations or country names.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor risk of adhesive degradation over time or perforation tearing if handled roughly
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free archival sleeve or philatelic album to prevent yellowing and protect the edges.