An anonymous woman leans against a table top, with her cheek resting against the back of her hand. Her expression is black, possibly dreamy, possibly sad, as she stares out into the restaurant or cafe before her. She sits with a plum brandy, a popular drink in Paris at the time, waiting for something to come along, be it a client, a friend, some good conversation, or a waiter with a spoon that she can use to eat the plum. Despite the somewhat uncertain nature of this painting, it is a beautiful study is waiting; the lull that comes in place of impatience, a simple acceptance of the time it will take for the thing one wants to arrive.
SKU: 7219
Creator: Edouard Manet
Date: c. 1877
Original Medium: oil on canvas
Original Size: 29 x 19 3/4 in.
Location: National Gallery of Art