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This small painting is relatively unknown.
While most people know Manet for his provocative works like Olympia or The Luncheon on the Grass, this shows a softer, more intimate side of the artist.
In 1880, Charles Ephrussi, a famous critic and art collector, commissioned Manet to paint a bunch of asparagus.
By mistake, he paid Manet an additional 200 francs.
Manet, ever the gentleman, then painted this painting, representing a unique asparagus.
He sent it to Ephrussi with a note : “This one was missing from your bunch!".
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