Zola,
Emile (1840-1902) French writer
and art critic; school friend of Cézanne.
Manet
was introduced to Zola in February 1866. Three months later Zola wrote
an enthusiastic assay in defense of Manet’s work (L’Evénement,
May 1866), which he later expanded into a long article (Revue du XIXe
Siècle, January 1867). Manet painted this portrait as an expression
of his thanks, and it was shown at the 1868 Salon. In 1870-1903 Zola wrote
and published his novel series about the Rougon-Macquart family, including
1880 Nana and 1886 The Masterpiece, a critical characterization
of Impressionism.
Nana was a character in Emile Zola’s novel
Nana. Manet
asked Henriette Hauser, a well-known grande cocotte, to pose for him. Henriette
Hauser was kept by the Prince of Orange, and so was nicknamed ‘Citron’.
Nana
was a Parisian courtesan, and the novel is about her life.
See: Edouard Manet Portrait
of Emile Zola, Nana.