Artwork
Berthe Morisot
Berthe Morisot is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edouard Manet. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Edouard Manet’s 1873 lithograph titled “Berthe Morisot” presents a monochrome portrait of a woman rendered in a stark, graphic manner. The image captures the sitter with a composed, solemn demeanor, her head topped by an elaborate, curled hat and her attire consisting of a dark, high‑collared dress. The work exemplifies Manet’s interest in portraiture through the medium of print.
Subject & Meaning
The figure depicted is identified as the painter Berthe Morisot, a contemporary of Manet and a prominent member of the Impressionist circle. Her serious expression and formal attire suggest a dignified, perhaps introspective portrayal, reflecting both her status as an artist and the conventions of genteel portraiture in the early 1870s.
Technique & Style
Created using lithography on chine collé wove paper, the print displays a deliberately rough, textured surface that differs from the smoothness of oil painting. Manet’s handling of the stone plate yields loose, sketch‑like lines that resemble rapid pencil strokes, emphasizing immediacy and a sense of spontaneity within the static medium.
History & Provenance
The lithograph was produced in 1873, a period when printmaking served as a practical means to disseminate images to a broader audience. While the original stone plates are not known to survive, the work was issued in limited editions typical of the era, allowing multiple copies to circulate among collectors and admirers of Manet’s oeuvre.
Context
Manet’s decision to depict Morisot in this format aligns with the broader 19th‑century practice of using prints to document artistic networks and friendships. The portrait not only records a personal connection but also situates Morisot within the visual culture of the French avant‑garde, where print media played a crucial role in shaping reputations.
Artist & collection
Artist
Édouard Manet didn’t have much time to make his mark—he died at 51—but he used every year.
