Le Suicidé by Manet

Among Manet’s many famous paintings, Le Suicidé has received much less attention, most likely due to the fact that critics and scholars have a difficult time placing it among his other works. At its most basic level, the painting portrays a man who has just committed suicide by shooting himself. Not much else is visible in the painting with the exception of a couple pieces of furniture and a portrait on the wall.

Le Suicidé by Manet

The limitations of this painting seem to suggest that there is only so much we can know about the reasons someone has for killing themself. We have no access to Manet’s intentions for painting this piece, in the same way we have no access to the thought process of a suicide victim once they’ve passed. The realism of Le Suicidé could suggest that the actual suicide of Manet’s assistant inspired him to paint the scene after grappling with that unexpected death for nearly a decade. Then again, he could have sought to break with tradition by painting a scene and subject that unsettles so many people. The unknown history and motivations behind this painting reflect the difficult situation many families face after a loved one has committed suicide. While we may be frustrated by a painting we don’t understand, it will never compare to the pain and confusion felt by those facing the loss of a loved one who’s committed suicide.

You might also be interested in:

• Manet, Mori and Martinis (magazinecollage.com)
• manet’s gaze (3quarksdaily.com)