Artwork

Forêt de Compiègne

Forêt de Compiègne, by Berthe Morisot, oil, 1885
Forêt de Compiègne, by Berthe Morisot, oil, 1885

Forêt de Compiègne is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Forêt de Compiègne is an oil on canvas painting depicting a forest scene.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a forest with trees having green leaves and light trunks set against pale green grass, evoking a serene natural atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The artwork is characterized by short, broad, linear brushstrokes that create a soft effect, diverging from the detailed realism prevalent during the artist's time.

Context

The use of impasto technique in the painting highlights the artist's exploration of texture through expressive brushwork.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Berthe Morisot

Artist

Berthe Morisot

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.