Berthe Morisot

Berthe Morisot was one of the few female painters of 19th century France, and she is largely credited as the organizing force behind the Impressionist movement of that era. The highly talented French impressionist painter began her formal art instruction under Camille Corot. She formed and maintained friendships with the small circle of impressionist artists of the day, including Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas, Alfred Sisley, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edouard Manet. Morisot would eventually become sister-in-law to Edouard Manet upon her marriage to his brother, Eugene Manet, in 1874. Edouard and Berthe shared a close friendship as well as each having an influence upon the work of the other.

Berthe Morisot was born into a wealthy and socially influential family in Bourges, France. Her privileged background ensured that Morisot never had to worry about financial hardship, and so she was free to focus on her art. From an early age, both Berthe and her sister Edma were encouraged to pursue their mutual love of painting and carry on a family tradition which included the works of Fragonard, a highly regarded Rococo painter whose work was defined by brilliant use of color and magnificent brushwork. While the sisters would remain very close throughout their lives, Edma eventually stopped painting after marrying and becoming a mother.

The subject matter of Morisot’s paintings was widely varied, including impressionist landscapes, portraits and garden settings, but she was perhaps best known for her portrayal of intimate scenes of domestic life and family. Berthe Morisot’s elevated social stature and appreciation for fashion trends of the day were also evident in her artwork. This artist’s palette preferences were decidedly more conservative than those of her contemporaries; Morisot often chose a more naturalistic framework and abandoned the use of black altogether.

Berthe Morisot’s art was undervalued at the time. This is thought to be, at least in part, due to the fact that she was a woman. However, while this artist may not have enjoyed much financial success with her paintings, she was very active with regard to exhibitions. Because of the social stature and financial security Morisot was fortunate to enjoy throughout her life, she was free to dedicate herself wholly to her craft. As such, this artist religiously participated in the impressionist exhibitions. In addition, Berthe Morisot’s paintings were accepted for exhibition at the prestigious Salon de Paris on numerous occasions, to typically favorable reviews.

The impressionist paintings of Berthe Morisot offer an intimate glimpse of this artist’s perspective on daily life in 19th century France. She was influenced by, as well as serving as a creative influence to, the great masters of the impressionist era.