Artwork
Dahlias
Dahlias is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1888, this oil work by Berthe Morisot depicts a modest still‑life arrangement. A white, ornamented vase holds a cluster of dahlias rendered in a spectrum of reds, yellows, pinks and purples. The vase rests on a tabletop beside a small fan, while a pale wall forms an unobtrusive backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on everyday objects—a vase, flowers, a fan—inviting quiet contemplation of domestic space. By gathering the dahlias in a single vessel, Morisot emphasizes the fleeting beauty of the blossoms, while the muted setting underscores their delicate presence without narrative distraction.
Technique & Style
Morisot employs loose, expressive brushwork that leaves the paint surface textured and visible. The handling of color is soft yet varied, allowing the petals to glow against the light background. This approach creates a sense of immediacy, balancing detail in the floral forms with an overall atmospheric softness.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of the Clark Art Institute, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing the contributions of women artists within the late‑19th‑century French Impressionist movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
Berthe Marie Pauline Morisot (French: ; 14 January 1841 – 2 March 1895) was a French painter, printmaker and a member of the circle of painters in Paris who became known as the Impressionists.
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