Glossary

5.2 Berthe Morisot and her contributions to modernism

5 min read•august 19, 2024

Berthe Morisot, a key figure in , challenged artistic norms and gender roles in 19th-century France. Born into wealth, she received private art lessons and developed a unique style characterized by vibrant colors, expressive brushstrokes, and intimate domestic scenes.

Morisot's contributions to were significant. She participated in seven Impressionist exhibitions, defying social expectations for women artists. Her work captured modern urban life and influenced future generations of women artists, cementing her legacy in art history.

Early life and artistic training

  • Born into a wealthy, upper-middle-class family in Bourges, France in 1841
  • Received private art lessons from Joseph-Benoît Guichard, a pupil of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
  • Studied copying paintings at the Louvre, a common practice for aspiring artists at the time
  • Learned watercolor painting techniques from her great-uncle, the painter Frédéric Bazille
  • Developed a keen eye for observation and a skill for capturing the effects of light and color

Relationship with Édouard Manet

  • Met Édouard Manet, a prominent painter, in 1868
  • Manet became a close friend, mentor, and eventual brother-in-law to Morisot
  • Posed for several of Manet's paintings, including "The Balcony" (1868-1869) and "Repose" (1870)
  • Exchanged ideas and influences with Manet, both contributing to each other's artistic development
  • Collaborated on organizing and promoting Impressionist exhibitions

Impressionist style and techniques

Use of light and color

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  • Explored the effects of natural light on her subjects, often painting outdoors (en plein air)
  • Used a bright, vibrant color palette to capture the fleeting qualities of light
  • Employed bold, expressive brushstrokes to convey the immediacy of the moment
  • Created a sense of atmosphere and mood through the interplay of light and color

Brushwork and composition

  • Developed a loose, sketchy brushwork style that emphasized the materiality of the paint
  • Used visible brushstrokes and a tactile surface texture to create a sense of energy and movement
  • Experimented with unconventional compositions, often cropping figures or focusing on intimate, domestic scenes
  • Employed asymmetrical arrangements and high vantage points to create dynamic, modern compositions

Domestic scenes and portraits

  • Focused on depicting the daily lives and leisure activities of upper-middle-class women
  • Painted intimate portraits of family members, friends, and domestic servants
  • Captured the social rituals and private moments of bourgeois life, such as reading, sewing, and caring for children
  • Imbued her subjects with a sense of psychological depth and individuality, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations

Exhibitions and critical reception

Participation in Impressionist exhibitions

  • Exhibited regularly with the Impressionists, participating in seven of their eight independent exhibitions between 1874 and 1886
  • Showed a range of works, including landscapes, portraits, and domestic scenes
  • Played a key role in organizing and promoting the exhibitions, helping to establish the Impressionists as a cohesive group

Contemporary reviews and opinions

  • Received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising her delicate touch and others dismissing her work as unfinished or lacking in substance
  • Faced gender-based discrimination and condescension from male critics who often dismissed women artists as amateurs or hobbyists
  • Gradually gained recognition and respect from progressive critics who appreciated her modern sensibility and technical skill
  • Influenced public opinion and taste through her participation in the Impressionist exhibitions and her growing reputation as a leading figure in the movement

Influence on modernist art

Challenge to traditional gender roles

  • Defied social expectations by pursuing a professional career as an artist, at a time when women were largely excluded from the art world
  • Depicted women as complex, multifaceted individuals, engaged in intellectual and creative pursuits
  • Challenged the male gaze by presenting women as active subjects rather than passive objects of desire
  • Paved the way for future generations of women artists by demonstrating the possibilities for professional success and artistic achievement

Representation of modern life

  • Captured the changing social and cultural landscape of late 19th-century Paris, documenting the rise of the bourgeoisie and the emergence of new forms of leisure and consumption
  • Depicted the fashions, pastimes, and domestic spaces of modern urban life, offering a glimpse into the private worlds of women
  • Explored the psychological and emotional dimensions of modern experience, conveying a sense of introspection and subjectivity in her portraits and figure studies
  • Contributed to the development of a distinctly modern visual language, characterized by a focus on the everyday, the ephemeral, and the personal

Impact on future women artists

  • Served as a role model and inspiration for subsequent generations of women artists, demonstrating the possibilities for professional success and artistic innovation
  • Influenced the development of modernist art by challenging traditional notions of subject matter, style, and technique
  • Helped to establish the legitimacy and importance of women's artistic contributions, paving the way for greater inclusion and recognition in the art world
  • Continues to be celebrated and studied as a pioneering figure in the history of modern art, with a lasting impact on feminist art theory and practice

Legacy and posthumous recognition

Rediscovery and reevaluation

  • Experienced a period of relative obscurity following her death in 1895, as the art world shifted its focus to newer avant-garde movements like Post-Impressionism and Fauvism
  • Underwent a major reassessment and rediscovery in the mid-20th century, as scholars and curators began to recognize the significance of her contributions to modern art
  • Benefited from the growth of in the 1970s and 1980s, which sought to reclaim and celebrate the achievements of women artists throughout history
  • Continues to be the subject of major exhibitions, publications, and scholarly research, cementing her status as a key figure in the development of modern art

Inclusion in major museum collections

  • Represented in the collections of major museums around the world, including the Musée d'Orsay (Paris), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), and the National Gallery (London)
  • Featured in important retrospective exhibitions, such as "Berthe Morisot: Impressionist" at the National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.) in 1987 and "Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist" at the Barnes Foundation (Philadelphia) in 2018-2019
  • Recognized as a central figure in the history of Impressionism, with a growing appreciation for her unique contributions to the movement

Scholarly research and publications

  • Subject of numerous monographs, exhibition catalogs, and scholarly articles, exploring her life, work, and legacy from a range of perspectives
  • Studied in relation to broader themes in art history, such as the representation of women, the rise of modernism, and the social and cultural context of late 19th-century France
  • Examined through the lens of feminist art history, with a focus on her challenges to traditional gender roles and her impact on the development of women's art practice
  • Continues to inspire new generations of scholars and artists, who draw on her example as a pioneering figure in the history of modern art

Key Terms to Review (18)

Alla prima: Alla prima is a painting technique where layers of wet paint are applied directly onto the canvas without waiting for previous layers to dry. This method allows for a spontaneous and fluid style, capturing the essence of a subject in a more immediate way. The technique is often associated with Impressionism and modern art, as it emphasizes brushwork and vibrant color while promoting a sense of immediacy and freshness in the artwork.
Avant-garde: Avant-garde refers to innovative, experimental, and forward-thinking movements in the arts, particularly those that challenge traditional boundaries and norms. This term often signifies a break from conventional forms and an embrace of new ideas and techniques that pave the way for future artistic expressions. In the context of art history, avant-garde movements prioritize originality and social commentary, influencing a broad range of artistic disciplines including painting, sculpture, and literature.
Broken color: Broken color refers to a painting technique where pure colors are applied in short, distinct strokes that allow the underlying colors to show through, creating a vibrant and dynamic surface. This method enhances the luminosity and visual complexity of a work, as seen in the Impressionist movement, where artists used this technique to capture light and atmosphere. By layering colors in this way, artists create an engaging interaction between the hues, which can evoke a sense of movement and emotion.
Critical recognition: Critical recognition refers to the acknowledgment and validation of an artist's work and contributions by scholars, critics, and the broader art community. This term is significant as it often shapes how an artist's legacy is perceived, influencing both historical narratives and contemporary discussions surrounding their influence on movements like modernism.
Domesticity: Domesticity refers to the social and cultural emphasis on home life, family, and women's roles within the private sphere, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. This concept is crucial in understanding how women were often depicted in art and literature, illustrating their responsibilities as caretakers, homemakers, and moral guardians of the family.
Female participation: Female participation refers to the active involvement and contribution of women in various fields, particularly in the arts and cultural movements. This participation often challenges traditional gender roles and highlights women's perspectives and creativity, showcasing their essential role in shaping artistic trends and narratives throughout history.
Feminine perspective: The feminine perspective refers to an approach in art and art history that emphasizes women's experiences, viewpoints, and contributions, particularly in a field traditionally dominated by male narratives. This perspective highlights the unique ways women have interpreted their roles in society, expressed their identities, and contributed to cultural production, often challenging the male gaze and patriarchal norms. Understanding the feminine perspective involves recognizing the impact of gender on artistic expression and the value of women as creators and patrons of art.
Feminist art history: Feminist art history is an approach that examines the representation of women in art, the contributions of women artists, and the ways in which gender influences artistic production and interpretation. This perspective seeks to challenge traditional narratives and highlight the underrepresented roles of women in the history of art, reshaping our understanding of art movements and cultural production.
Gendered gaze: The gendered gaze refers to the way visual culture is influenced by gender, shaping how subjects are represented and how viewers perceive them. This concept highlights the power dynamics in art and visual media, where women are often objectified and depicted through a male lens, reinforcing traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
Historical marginalization: Historical marginalization refers to the process by which certain groups, often based on their gender, race, or class, have been systematically excluded from mainstream narratives and opportunities throughout history. This exclusion can manifest in various ways, such as underrepresentation in art, literature, and history, which shapes societal perceptions and reinforces inequalities. Understanding historical marginalization is crucial in recognizing the contributions of marginalized artists and their impact on cultural movements.
Impressionism: Impressionism is an art movement that originated in the late 19th century, characterized by a focus on capturing the effects of light and color through loose brushwork and an emphasis on everyday scenes. This movement sought to depict a moment in time, often emphasizing the fleeting qualities of natural light and atmosphere, leading to a new way of seeing the world. Impressionism was groundbreaking as it moved away from traditional techniques and subjects, paving the way for modern art.
Intimacy: Intimacy refers to a close familiarity or friendship; it denotes an emotional closeness and personal connection between individuals. In art, intimacy can manifest through subjects that evoke personal and domestic experiences, often highlighting the bonds between people or the nuances of private life. This concept plays a crucial role in understanding how certain artists portray relationships and domestic settings, often reflecting broader social themes and personal experiences.
Jules Cassagnac: Jules Cassagnac was a French journalist and political figure known for his work in the late 19th century, particularly during the time of the Paris Commune and the Third Republic. He gained attention for his controversial writings that often critiqued artists, including women artists like Berthe Morisot, which reflects the tensions between traditional and modernist views in the art world during that period.
Mary Cassatt: Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker known for her intimate portrayals of women and children in domestic settings, and she played a significant role in the Impressionist movement. Her work bridged the gap between American and European art scenes, highlighting the importance of female perspectives in both art and society.
Modernism: Modernism is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. This movement sought to capture the essence of modern life through innovative approaches, emphasizing individualism, abstraction, and experimentation. Artists embraced change, responding to the rapid societal shifts of their time, which can be seen through the work of various influential figures.
Summer's Day: A 'summer's day' often refers to an idyllic and peaceful day characterized by warm weather, clear skies, and the vibrancy of nature in full bloom. In the context of art, particularly in modernism, this concept evokes themes of beauty, transience, and the interplay between light and color, elements that artists like Berthe Morisot embraced in their work.
The cradle: The cradle is a significant symbol in art, often representing the themes of motherhood, nurturing, and the early stages of life. In the context of modernism and particularly in the works of artists like Berthe Morisot, the cradle also becomes a metaphor for women's roles in society, emphasizing domestic life and the intimate connection between mother and child. This symbol is crucial in understanding how artists portrayed their experiences and social expectations during a time of shifting artistic perspectives.
Women’s contributions: Women’s contributions in art history refer to the impactful roles that female artists, critics, and patrons have played in shaping artistic movements, styles, and cultural dialogues throughout history. Their influence often challenges traditional narratives and highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in modernism and beyond. Recognizing these contributions allows for a more inclusive understanding of art history and emphasizes the essential role women have had in the evolution of artistic practices.
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