Berthe Morisot was a trailblazing French painter and a central figure of the Impressionist circle, being the only woman to exhibit in their first landmark show in 1874. Her work is celebrated for its delicate, airy quality, and its focus on the domestic lives of women and children, capturing intimate scenes of motherhood, fashion, and quiet contemplation. Her ability to elevate everyday moments into poetic, atmospheric compositions established her as one of the most innovative and sophisticated voices of 19th century modernism. She created a sense of space and depth using colour, despite the fact her palette was quite limited. Her light brushstrokes led critics to use the verb “effluerer”, meaning to touch lightly, to describe her technique. Her works were even described as being full of “feminine charm” by male contemporary critics, noting their elegance and lightness. It was precisely this quality of effortless elegance that earned her the deep respect of contemporaries including Monet and Dégas, and that continues to define her reputation today.
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