Artwork
Reading
Reading is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This oil painting depicts a woman seated on a shawl in an open meadow, absorbed in a book.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting depicts a woman seated on a shawl in an open meadow, absorbed in a book. She wears a white dress that catches the sunlight, its subtle floral motif mirroring the surrounding wildflowers. Nearby lie a discarded parasol and fan, suggesting a brief pause from leisure.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is Morisot’s sister, Edma, portrayed in a moment of private contemplation rather than engaging the viewer. By directing her gaze toward the pages, the artist emphasizes introspection and the quiet intimacy of reading outdoors.
Technique & Style
Morisot renders the dress with delicate brushwork that blends light and shadow, allowing the fabric to merge with the luminous meadow. The composition balances the crispness of the white garment against the softer, dappled greens of the field, creating a harmonious visual rhythm.
History & Provenance
Technical analysis, including X‑ray imaging, has revealed that the painting originally showed Edma looking directly at the audience. Morisot later altered the eyes to a downward focus, aligning the work with her broader practice of depicting women absorbed in personal activities.
Context
The adjustment of the gaze reflects a departure from the conventions of contemporaries such as Manet, whose female subjects often meet the viewer’s eye. Morisot’s choice underscores her interest in portraying women in moments of solitary thought rather than as objects of visual exchange.
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.
