Berthe Morisot

Berthe Morisot was born on January 14, 1841, in Bourges, France. She came from a wealthy family, which provided her with the means to pursue a career in art. Her family moved to Paris during her childhood, where she received art lessons and was exposed to the thriving art scene of the time, significantly influencing her development as an artist.

In 1864, Berthe Morisot exhibited her work for the first time at the Salon de Paris, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. This event marked the beginning of her public career as an artist. Over the years, she would become a central figure in the Impressionist movement, known for her innovative use of color and light.

Berthe Morisot was the only woman to exhibit in the first Impressionist Exhibition held at the studio of Felix Nadar in Paris in 1874. This exhibition was organized by a group of artists who became known as the Impressionists, and it marked the beginning of a new movement in art, characterized by a focus on changing light and ordinary subject matter.

On December 22, 1878, Berthe Morisot married Eugène Manet, the brother of fellow artist Édouard Manet. Their marriage was both a personal and professional partnership, as Eugène supported Berthe's artistic endeavors. They had a daughter named Julie, who would become a frequent subject of Berthe's paintings, and their home served as a salon for artists and intellectuals.

In 1881, Berthe Morisot participated in the seventh Impressionist Exhibition, where she showcased her evolution as an artist. Her work was increasingly focused on domestic life and the private lives of women, capturing intimate moments with great sensitivity and understanding. Her paintings from this period are celebrated for their loose brushwork and emotional depth.

In 1885, Berthe Morisot painted 'Portrait of Berthe Morisot with Her Daughter,' a significant work that illustrates the emotional bond between mother and child. The painting is noted for its tender depiction of domesticity and the intimate atmosphere it creates. It also highlights Morisot's skill in capturing the fleeting effects of light and color.

In October 1892, Berthe Morisot held a solo exhibition at the Boussod-Valadon Gallery in Paris. This exhibition was a significant event in her career, as it allowed her to showcase a major collection of her work. The exhibition solidified her reputation as a leading figure in the Impressionist movement and demonstrated her influence in Parisian art circles.

Berthe Morisot passed away on March 2, 1895, in Paris, France, at the age of 54. Her death was a great loss to the art community, as she was considered one of the pivotal figures in the Impressionist movement. Her work continued to influence artists and she was posthumously celebrated in exhibitions that highlighted her contribution to art as a leading female Impressionist.

In January 1896, the Durand-Ruel Gallery in Paris organized a posthumous exhibition of Berthe Morisot's work. The exhibition was a major success, drawing attention to the significance of Morisot's contributions to the Impressionist movement. It played a crucial role in cementing her legacy as an important artist whose work had a lasting impact on modern art.

In 2018, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia hosted an exhibition titled 'Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist.' This exhibition was dedicated to exploring the life and work of Morisot, showcasing over 70 paintings from various collections. It highlighted her innovative approach to painting and her role as a key figure in the Impressionist movement.