Berthe Morisot

From a young age, Berthe and her sisters, Yves and Edma, were encouraged to pursue art, a somewhat unconventional choice for young women of their social standing. Initially, their artistic endeavors were more of a genteel pastime than a serious pursuit. They began taking lessons from Geoffroy-Alphonse Chocarne and later from Joseph Guichard. These early years of instruction laid the foundation for Morisot’s future as a painter. Her time spent copying masterpieces at the Louvre was particularly formative, providing her with the technical skills and artistic sensibility that would define her style.

By the time she was 23, Berthe Morisot had already made her mark on the art world. Her work was accepted into the prestigious Salon de Paris, where she exhibited regularly until 1873. During this period, she developed close relationships with some of the most influential artists of her time, including Édouard Manet and Claude Monet. These friendships would play a crucial role in her development as an artist.

Morisot’s association with the Impressionist movement began in earnest in 1874 when she joined a group of artists disillusioned with the conservative nature of the Salon. The group, which included Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Alfred Sisley, sought to capture the fleeting moments of modern life through light and color. This new approach to painting was radical and often met with criticism, but it also brought a fresh, vibrant perspective to the art world. Morisot participated in nearly all of the Impressionist exhibitions between 1874 and 1886, showcasing her unique ability to capture the subtleties of light and atmosphere.

In 1874, Berthe Morisot married Eugène Manet, Édouard Manet’s younger brother. The marriage was not only a personal union but also a professional partnership. Eugène supported his wife’s career and their home became a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. The couple had one daughter, Julie, who became a frequent subject in Morisot’s paintings. These intimate portraits of Julie offer a glimpse into the private world of a devoted mother and artist.

Morisot’s work during this period is characterized by its delicate brushwork and a subtle, almost ethereal use of color. She often painted domestic scenes, capturing the quiet moments of everyday life. Her paintings of women and children, in particular, are noted for their sensitivity and grace. Works like “The Cradle” (1872) and “Young Girl with a Parrot” (1873) exemplify her ability to convey a sense of intimacy and tranquility.

As her career progressed, Morisot continued to push the boundaries of her art. She experimented with different mediums, including watercolors, pastels, and oils, often combining them in innovative ways. Her later work shows a greater emphasis on drawing and the use of charcoal and colored pencils. She also explored new compositional techniques, influenced by photography and Japonisme, which introduced her to new ways of seeing and representing space.

Despite her success, Morisot faced many challenges as a female artist in a male-dominated field. She often had to balance her artistic ambitions with her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Nevertheless, she remained dedicated to her craft, continually evolving and refining her style. Her contributions to the Impressionist movement were significant, and her work received critical acclaim during her lifetime.

Berthe Morisot’s health began to decline in the early 1890s. Despite this, she continued to paint and exhibit her work. She contracted pneumonia while caring for her daughter Julie, who was also ill, and died on March 2, 1895, at the age of 54. Morisot was buried in the Cimetière de Passy in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire future generations of artists.

In the years following her death, Morisot’s work continued to gain recognition. Her paintings, celebrated for their elegance and lightness, have become highly valued in the art market. In 2013, her painting “After Lunch” (1881) sold for a record $10.9 million at Christie’s, underscoring her enduring appeal and the importance of her contributions to art history.

Berthe Morisot’s life and work are a testament to her extraordinary talent and determination. As a pioneering female artist, she broke new ground and created a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire. Her ability to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life with such sensitivity and grace has secured her place as one of the most important figures in the history of Impressionism.