Once upon a Midnight Dreary (sous la lampe) (1875)

In the evocative lithograph titled "Once upon a Midnight Dreary (sous la lampe)" crafted by Edouard Manet in 1875, viewers are invited into a somber, intimate space under an artificial glow. This artwork exudes a sense of nighttime solitude that echoes through the controlled chaos of dark, sweeping brushstrokes. The scene is set in a dimly lit room where a lone figure sits at a writing desk, enveloped by shadows.The focus of the composition is the man, whose profile is partially illuminated by the soft light of a lamp. His face is cast in partial darkness, creating a contemplative and somewhat melancholic atmosphere. The dim light highlights his intense focus and the slight bent of his head as he possibly reads or writes, suggesting a moment of intellectual or creative pursuit.Surrounding the figure, the room is sketched with energetic lines and contrasting dark and light areas that suggest the presence of furniture and other objects without giving them definite form. This minimalist approach directs the viewer’s attention primarily towards the human element, emphasizing the emotional over the physical environment."Once upon a Midnight Dreary (sous la lampe)" is a poignant representation of solitude and the pursuit of reflection or creativity in the quiet hours of night.