Born in Paris to a family of artisans (her father was a patinator of bronzes, while her mother was a milliner), Meurent started modeling at the age of sixteen in the studio of Thomas Couture and may also have studied art at his women's atelier. Meurent first modeled for Manet in 1862, for his painting "The Street Singer". Manet was first drawn to Meurent when he saw her in the street, carrying her guitar. She was particularly noticeable for her petite stature, which earned her the nickname "La Crevette (The Shrimp)", and for her red hair, which is depicted as very bright in Manet's watercolor copy of "Olympia". As well as playing the guitar, Meurent also played the violin, gave lessons in the two instruments, and sang in café-concerts.