Berthe Morisot, French painter (d. 1895)

Berthe Marie Pauline Morisot (January 14, 1841 – March 2, 1895) was a pivotal French painter, celebrated as an integral member of the revolutionary circle of artists in Paris who collectively gave birth to the Impressionist movement. A true trailblazer, Morisot distinguished herself not only through her remarkable artistic talent but also as one of the few prominent female figures within this avant-garde group. Her work captured the fleeting moments of modern life, often focusing on domestic scenes, portraits, and landscapes, infusing them with a uniquely feminine perspective and a delicate yet vibrant palette that epitomized the Impressionist aesthetic.

Morisot’s artistic journey began with early recognition within the traditional art establishment. In 1864, she made her debut at the highly esteemed Salon de Paris, the official annual exhibition of the Académie des beaux-arts. This government-sponsored exhibition, judged by conservative Academicians, represented the pinnacle of artistic recognition in 19th-century France; acceptance into the Salon was crucial for an artist's career, conferring prestige and commercial viability. Her talent was undeniable, as her work was selected for exhibition in six subsequent Salons. However, Morisot's innovative spirit ultimately led her to depart from the conventional path. In 1874, she made a decisive break by joining the so-called "rejected" Impressionists in their inaugural independent exhibition, a landmark event in art history. This groundbreaking show, held at the studio of the renowned photographer Nadar, served as a defiant counterpoint to the Salon, presenting a radical new vision of art. Alongside Morisot, the exhibition featured a constellation of now-legendary artists including Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Alfred Sisley, all united by their shared artistic principles and their rejection of academic strictures.

Her commitment to this new artistic vision was unwavering. From 1874 to 1886, Berthe Morisot participated in all but one of the subsequent eight Impressionist exhibitions, solidifying her status as a core and consistent member of the group. This sustained involvement underscored her dedication to the movement’s principles and her belief in the importance of artists controlling their own exhibitions, free from the dictates of the traditional Salon system.

Beyond her public artistic life, Morisot’s personal connections played a significant role in her artistic development. She was married to Eugène Manet, the brother of her close friend, mentor, and fellow artist, Édouard Manet. Édouard Manet, a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, frequently depicted Morisot in his own paintings, showcasing their deep professional and personal bond. Her marriage into the Manet family further embedded her within the vibrant Parisian avant-garde circles, providing her with both intellectual camaraderie and a supportive domestic environment that enabled her continued artistic pursuit, a rarity for women artists of her era.

Berthe Morisot’s indelible impact on Impressionism was recognized during her lifetime and continues to be celebrated today. In 1894, the esteemed art critic Gustave Geffroy lauded her as one of "les trois grandes dames" (the three great ladies) of Impressionism. This significant accolade placed her alongside two other exceptional female artists: Marie Bracquemond, a French Impressionist known for her innovative use of color and light, and Mary Cassatt, an American artist who notably captured intimate domestic scenes and the lives of women and children with great sensitivity. This recognition underscored Morisot’s unique and significant contribution to the movement, cementing her legacy as a foundational figure whose work profoundly shaped the course of modern art.

Frequently Asked Questions about Berthe Morisot

Who was Berthe Morisot?
Berthe Morisot was a distinguished French Impressionist painter (1841–1895), renowned for her innovative approach to capturing scenes of contemporary life, particularly domestic intimacy, portraits, and landscapes, from a distinctly feminine perspective. She was a central figure in the Impressionist movement from its inception.
What was Berthe Morisot's connection to the Salon de Paris?
Initially, Berthe Morisot achieved success within the traditional art establishment, exhibiting her work at the prestigious Salon de Paris for six consecutive years starting in 1864. However, her commitment to the avant-garde led her to abandon the Salon system in favor of the independent Impressionist exhibitions from 1874 onwards.
How significant was Berthe Morisot's role in the Impressionist exhibitions?
Morisot was a steadfast participant in the Impressionist movement, showing her work in all but one of the nine independent Impressionist exhibitions held between 1874 and 1886. This consistent involvement highlights her crucial and unwavering dedication to the collective’s pioneering efforts to redefine art beyond academic norms.
Who were "les trois grandes dames" of Impressionism?
The term "les trois grandes dames" (the three great ladies) was coined by critic Gustave Geffroy in 1894 to recognize three exceptional female artists who made profound contributions to Impressionism. These were Berthe Morisot, along with Marie Bracquemond (a French painter known for her innovative color use) and Mary Cassatt (an American artist celebrated for her depictions of women and children).
What was Berthe Morisot's relationship with Édouard Manet?
Berthe Morisot had a significant artistic and personal relationship with Édouard Manet, a leading figure in modern art. She was both a close friend and a frequent model for Manet, who depicted her in numerous important works. Furthermore, she married Manet’s brother, Eugène Manet, further solidifying her ties to this influential artistic family and the Parisian avant-garde.