Artwork
Young Woman with a Straw Hat
Young Woman with a Straw Hat is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The painting presents a portrait of a woman, whose identity is not specified, characterized by her distinctive headwear.
Berthe Morisot, a prominent French painter and printmaker, created Young Woman with a Straw Hat in 1884. This oil on canvas work exemplifies her engagement with the Impressionist movement. The painting presents a portrait of a woman, whose identity is not specified, characterized by her distinctive headwear. It reflects Morisot's signature style, employing a light palette and fluid brushwork to capture a momentary impression.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork features a young woman depicted in a light-colored dress, her gaze directed towards the right with her head gently inclined. Her attire is notable for the straw hat she wears, which is embellished with flowers. A dark scarf is tied around her neck, providing a subtle contrast to her light garments. The portrait focuses on her appearance, capturing a sense of quiet contemplation or observation.
Technique & Style
Morisot's artistic approach in Young Woman with a Straw Hat is distinctly Impressionistic. She applied oil paint to the canvas using loose, visible brushstrokes, a technique that emphasizes light and atmosphere over precise detail. This method creates a vibrant, immediate quality, characteristic of the movement she helped to define. The fluidity of the brushwork contributes to the overall impression of spontaneity and captures the fleeting nature of the moment.
Context
Berthe Morisot was a pivotal figure in the development of Impressionism, recognized as a founding member of the group. Before aligning with these artists and participating in their independent exhibitions, she had shown her work at the official Paris Salon. Her decision to join the Impressionists marked a significant break from traditional artistic institutions, contributing to a new era of artistic expression outside established academic venues.
Own this work as a print
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.
