"A sensual portrait of Manet's last years, and a vibrant testament to the endurance of the artistic spirit. Suffering from the complications of syphilis toward the end of his life, Édouard Manet begins to jot down his daily impressions, reflections, and memories in a notebook. Between healing respites in the French countryside and holding court in his Paris studio, he finds inspiration in nature-a cloud of dragonflies, peonies blanketed by the morning dew-and in the ocean-blue eyes of his muse, Suzon. Entranced by Suzon, he decides to paint his final masterpiece, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, life-sized-wagering his health in the process. In this stunningly original work of historical fiction, illustrated with Manet's own sketches, Maureen Gibbon offers an indelible snapshot of genius, illness, and the dying embers of passion"-- Provided by publisher.