I was so excited to go to this Berthe Morisot exhibition; and I absolutely loved it - as I knew I would. I’m a huge Morisot fanboy - having come across her works (in the National Gallery: Impressionism and Towards Modernity).
She was one of the original impressionists (appearing in 8 of the Impressionist exhibitions in Paris, esp. the first one in 1874) and she thoroughly captures the movement’s philosophy - swiftly-painted depictions of contemporary life. She was also the sister-in-law of Manet (and that connection is probably quite formative).
As well as her impressionist credentials and a beautiful technique; her oeuvre speak to motherhood, the home and (upper-middle class) women in general. She is important, not merely because of her interests and identity; but because of what she captures in her art. A perspective of women that is wonderful to look at. I really admire her character and steely determination in an age when society equated art as a male preoccupation. Women were famously excluded from the Academie des beaux arts (but, stemming from a wealthy family, she was tutored privately).
I wonder why Morisot doesn’t have the recognition she deserved? No doubt partly explained by society’s attitudes vis-a-vis woman, but I suspect that her art (with its focus on the feminine & the domestic) doesn’t depict the idea of a strong independent woman tearing down barriers; so I think she has been ignored by feminism too. But people forget the context. Morisot, as with all Impressionists, depicted their everyday lives. Monet and his garden, Degas and his dancers, Morisot and her home life.
Melvyn Bragg recently discussed Morisot on BBC Radio 4.
This exhibition draws on some research; focusing on Morisot’s engagement with 18th century art in shaping her Impressionism.
All the paintings are by Morisot, unless stated otherwise.
✲✲✲
In the Bois de Boulogne - 1879
Wonderfully beautiful.
You can feel the rapid brushstrokes of the summer day. In this case, the outside in Bois de Boulogne, which is a major park (frequented by the other Impressionists) near Morisot’s Paris residence.
I noticed the zigzag effect in the navy overcoat (which I have seen in several paintings by her). I like the shades of verdancy of mother nature with a trace of reflection on the lake.
I like those strikingly elegant outfits and the overall shimmering summery feel to the painting.
These are the same models in the ‘Summer’s Day’ painting below.
 |
| What a lovely hat surrounded by wonderful brushstrokes. |
✲✲✲
Self-Portrait - 1885
Not sure what to make of the darker bronze-brown hues. It’s not a palette, I think, she normally paints with. Maybe she wants to depict herself in a more symbolically neutral colour? stronger colour?
At any rate, this painting shows Morisot with a steadfast thoughtful gaze. Painting herself as a ‘serious’ painter. I love the flourishes in her hand indicating her brushes.
✲✲✲
Summer’s Day - 1879
So charming and beautiful.
I loved this painting when I saw it in the National Gallery.
Believe it or not, Morisot would have to be a bit discreet about painting outdoors as it was not deemed acceptable for women. In this painting, artist and models are seated in the boat - so she couldn’t be disturbed.
I love the shimmering effect and summery tones of the plants, ducks and the reflective ripples. I like how one of the ladies is looking directly at us. Beatiful hats again.
✲✲✲