Sonnets et eaux-fortes (Sonnets and Etchings) is an anthology of contemporary poems and prints edited by Philippe Burty (1830-1980), the art critic most responsible for promoting etching as a creative medium in mid-nineteenth century France. Burty paired 42 authors and artists, among the greatest French artists of the day, distributed copper plates to the contributors, and coordinated the process of assembling the manuscript. Among them, Victor Hugo, Camille Corot and Charles Daubigny. On June 28, 1868, he sent an invitation to Édouard Manet: "I have the utmost desire for you to take part. The etching does not have to be larger than 20 by 13 centimeters. It could be smaller. If you want, I could have a copper plate of these dimensions sent to you. Here is a sonnet [Armand Renaud's "Fleur exotique" ("Exotic Flower")] that appears to me to harmonize perfectly with what we know of you. If the combination is agreeable, please send word so I can register you." At the time of this solicitation, Manet was absorbed in the art of Spain, and his submission, an aquatint of a woman wearing a mantilla, reflects his admiration for the graphic works of Francisco de Goya. (F.R.)