A Bunch of Asparagus - 1880

Oil on Canvas, Framed size 73cm x 65cm

Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne

Sold by Sotherby’s New York in 2009 for £2,219,699.

Manet sold this painting to Charles Ephrussi for 800 francs. But Ephrussi sent him 1000 francs, Manet who had a warm sense of humour and wit, painted a single asparagus which he sent with a note saying: "There is one missing from your bunch". This painting is in the Musee d'Orsay!

Marine - 1869

Oil on canvas, Framed size 63cm x 64cm

Private Collection

Manet was passionate about the sea. Before becoming a painter he spent six months on board a ship headed for Brazil. During the course of his career he painted around 40 sea views. He took numerous seaside holidays, mostly at Boulogne where he focused his attention on the harbour, painting boats at anchor or setting out to sea.

He made his public debut as a marine painter in 1864 with The Battle of the U.S.S. "Kearsarge" and the C.S.S. "Alabama". These works reflect his intimate knowledge of and love for maritime vessels and the sea.

Two Roses on a Tablecloth - 1882

Oil on Canvas, Framed size 40cm x 36cm

Museum of Modern Art. USA

Increasingly throughout the 1880s, Manet produced small still life's paintings with a few flowers or a limited number of fruits. Often they were sent to friends as personal gifts. He died at the age of 51.