Artwork
Swans at Stagnant Water
Swans at Stagnant Water is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1889, *Swans at Stagnant Water* is a drypoint print executed by French artist Berthe Morisot. The work belongs to her limited output in printmaking and exemplifies her participation in the Impressionist circle that gathered in Paris during the late nineteenth century.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a quiet tableau of two swans floating on still water, their bodies centered and mirrored in the surface. The composition emphasizes calm and reflection, inviting contemplation of the natural world’s quiet moments rather than dramatic narrative.
Technique & Style
Morisot employed drypoint on laid paper, incising lines directly into the surface and leaving a characteristic burr that yields soft, velvety tones. The feather‑like strokes that define the birds contrast with gently modulated washes for the water, producing a tactile sense of depth and subtle gradations of light.
History & Provenance
Morisot, a core member of the Impressionist exhibitions alongside Degas and Monet, explored printmaking as an extension of her painting practice. The print was produced in the artist’s Paris studio and later entered private collections, illustrating her broader engagement with modern subjects through varied media.
Context
During the 1880s, Impressionists increasingly turned to print media to disseminate their observations of contemporary life. Morisot’s choice of drypoint aligns with this trend, allowing her to capture fleeting atmospheric effects and the delicate texture of natural scenes within a reproducible format.
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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.
