| Although a close associate of the impressionists who shared their dedication to the portrayal of modern life, Eva Gonzalès never participated in their group exhibitions. Born into an artistic familyher father was a well-known writer and her mother an accomplished musicianGonzalès discovered her vocation at an early age. In 1865, the sixteen-year-old Gonzalès began her formal studies under Charles Chaplin, a society painter who ran a well-known art studio for women. She remained under his tutelage for two years. In February 1869, Gonzalès was introduced to Edouard Manet. He painted her portrait and she soon became his student, the only one that Manet ever acknowledged. Manets influence was profound. Like her mentor, Gonzalès revealed a marked preference for subjects drawn from modern life, but it is in her technique with its emphasis upon overall tonal relationships and the privileging of form over detail that Manets influence is truly felt. This is particularly apparent in early works such as The Little Soldier (Musée Gaston Rapin, Villeneuve-sur-Lot), the painting with which she made her debut at the Salon of 1870. |
