Artwork
Swan and Duck, with portraits of Julie (Cygne et canard, avec portraits de Julie, or Cygne et canard, essai)
Swan and Duck, with portraits of Julie (Cygne et canard, avec portraits de Julie, or Cygne et canard, essai) is a print by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1889, this small print titled *Swan and Duck, with portraits of Julie* is attributed to the French Impressionist Berthe Morisot. It forms part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a seated woman in a dark dress, flanked by a white swan and a brown duck, both perched near a tabletop.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, presumed to be a portrait of a woman named Julie, gazes outward with a composed demeanor. The juxtaposition of the swan and duck—symbols of elegance and domesticity—offers a quiet narrative of everyday observation, reflecting Morisot’s interest in intimate, domestic scenes.
Technique & Style
Executed with Morisot’s characteristic soft brushwork, the print employs a restrained palette of muted tones and delicate highlights. The rendering of feathers and fabric demonstrates her ability to convey texture and light, hallmarks of her Impressionist approach to capturing fleeting moments.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced toward the end of Morisot’s career, a period marked by increased experimentation with print media. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it has remained on view as part of the museum’s Impressionist holdings.
Context
Morisot was among the first women to gain recognition within the Impressionist circle, often focusing on scenes of private life. This work aligns with her broader oeuvre, which frequently explores the nuanced interplay between figure, setting, and natural elements, underscoring her contribution to the movement’s diversification.
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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