Berthe Morisot with a Fan
- Original dimensions
- 45 x 60 cm
- Museum
- musée d'Orsay
- Year
- 1872
Scene depicted
The painting features Berthe Morisot, one of the emblematic figures of the Impressionist movement, through a fan that partially conceals her gaze, revealing a fascinating delicacy and introspection. Under Manet's influence, this scene highlights the role of women in 19th-century Parisian society, generating dialogues about beauty, identity, and art.
Historical context
Created in 1872 in Paris, during the emergence of the Impressionist movement, this painting bears witness to the evolution of pictorial techniques of the time. Currently preserved at the musée d'Orsay , this canvas illustrates the Parisian chic of a moment when artistic avant-gardes sought to capture natural light and the fleeting moments of modern life.
Place in the artist's career
Berthe Morisot à l'éventail is situated at a crucial turning point in Manet's career. This canvas comes after works like Déjeuner sur l'herbe and Olympia , marking a period of intimate and personal exploration of women as artistic subjects. Manet combines his bold style with delicate sensitivity, before diving into darker periods.
Anecdote
Édouard Manet is said to have once said: "Light is my muse; it dances on the canvas and gives it life." This moment of revelation, perhaps during a spring walk, inspired the canvas of Berthe Morisot, nestled under a fan, evoking a delicate and sensual atmosphere.