Berthe Morisot

Early Life and Education

Berthe Morisot was born on January 14, 1841, in Bourges, France, into a prosperous bourgeois family. Her father, Edmé Tiburce Morisot, was a high-ranking government official, and her mother, Marie-Joséphine-Cornélie Thomas, came from a family of wealthy landowners. Morisot's upbringing was typical of the French upper-middle class, with a strong emphasis on education and cultural refinement. From an early age, she and her sisters received art lessons, which was a common practice among well-to-do families of the time.

Morisot's formal art education began under the tutelage of Geoffroy-Alphonse Chocarne, a local artist. However, her most significant early influence came from her studies with Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, a leading landscape painter of the Barbizon School. Corot's guidance was instrumental in shaping Morisot's approach to painting, particularly her focus on plein air (outdoor) painting and her interest in capturing natural light.

Artistic Development and Style

Morisot's early works were heavily influenced by the Barbizon School, but she soon began to develop her own distinctive style. Her brushwork became looser and more fluid, and she started to experiment with color and light in ways that set her apart from her contemporaries. By the early 1860s, Morisot had established herself as a promising young artist, exhibiting her works at the prestigious Salon de Paris.

Her association with the Impressionist movement began in the late 1860s, when she met Édouard Manet. Manet and Morisot developed a close professional and personal relationship, and she often modeled for his paintings. Through Manet, Morisot was introduced to other key figures in the Impressionist circle, including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas.

Morisot's work is characterized by its emphasis on domestic life and intimate, everyday scenes. She often depicted women and children in private settings, using a light, delicate palette and loose brushstrokes to convey a sense of immediacy and intimacy. Her paintings frequently explore themes of femininity and domesticity, offering a nuanced and often subversive perspective on the roles and experiences of women in 19th-century society.

Major Works and Exhibitions

Morisot's contributions to the Impressionist exhibitions were significant. She participated in seven of the eight Impressionist exhibitions held between 1874 and 1886, showcasing works that were often praised for their technical skill and emotional depth. Some of her most notable paintings from this period include:

• The Cradle (1872) - This painting depicts Morisot's sister, Edma, watching over her sleeping daughter. It is celebrated for its tender portrayal of motherhood and its masterful use of light and shadow.
• Summer's Day (1879) - A vibrant depiction of two women in a boat on a lake, this work exemplifies Morisot's ability to capture the fleeting effects of light and color.
• The Mother and Sister of the Artist (1869-1870) - This intimate portrait of Morisot's family members is notable for its psychological depth and its innovative composition.

In addition to her participation in the Impressionist exhibitions, Morisot also exhibited at the Salon de Paris and other major venues. Her work was well-received by critics and collectors alike, and she became one of the most respected and influential artists of her time.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1874, Morisot married Eugène Manet, the younger brother of Édouard Manet. The couple had one daughter, Julie, who would later become a frequent subject of Morisot's paintings. Despite the demands of her domestic life, Morisot continued to paint prolifically, producing some of her most acclaimed works during this period.

Morisot's legacy as a pioneering female artist is significant. She was one of the few women to achieve recognition and success in the male-dominated art world of the 19th century, and her work has been celebrated for its technical mastery and emotional resonance. Her contributions to the Impressionist movement were instrumental in shaping the direction of modern art, and her influence can be seen in the work of subsequent generations of artists.

See Also

• Impressionism
• Édouard Manet
• Claude Monet
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir
• Edgar Degas
• Salon de Paris
• Barbizon School
• Plein air painting