Artwork

Spring Landscape

Spring Landscape, by Berthe Morisot, graphite, 1890
Spring Landscape, by Berthe Morisot, graphite, 1890

Spring Landscape is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Spring Landscape, created circa 1890 by Berthe Morisot, is a drawing executed in colored pencils and graphite, characteristic of the Impressionist movement's emphasis on natural light and subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene, sunlit hillside in early spring, featuring trees, bushes, and a palette of soft yellows, greens, and blues, evoking a sense of warmth and natural tranquility.

Technique & Style

Morisot employed quick, loose strokes and layered marks, combining colored pencils and graphite. The sketchy lines and pale colors reflect the Impressionist focus on capturing fleeting outdoor impressions.

History & Provenance

As a member of the Impressionist circle, Morisot exhibited with the group after leaving the Paris Salon in 1874. The specific provenance of Spring Landscape is not detailed here, highlighting her broader association with the movement.

Context

Created during Morisot's established career within the Impressionist movement, Spring Landscape aligns with the era's artistic shift towards outdoor, light-driven themes, distinct from the formal Salon traditions she had earlier abandoned.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of Spring Landscape are not provided, it contributes to Morisot's recognized contribution to Impressionism, particularly as one of the few prominent female artists of the movement.

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.