Two Girls
- Original dimensions
- 21.25 x 25.63 cm
- Museum
- Phillips Collection
- Year
- 1894
Scene depicted
The painting “Two Girls” depicts an elegant composition where two young girls, lost in a moment of intimacy, let time carry them away. The light caresses their faces, reflecting the innocence and happiness of the early summer days. Morisot plays with contrasts and symmetry, creating a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation.
Historical context
Created in 1894, this masterpiece by Berthe Morisot echoes the vibrant artistic life of Paris at the end of the 19th century. At the heart of this Impressionist movement, Morisot, one of the pioneering figures, captured the light and the immediacy of human emotions. Today, this painting is displayed at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the intimacy and sweetness of youth.
Place in the artist's career
This painting , from a period of artistic maturity, illustrates the peak of the Impressionist style for Morisot. Compared to other masterpieces like “The Cradle” and “Woman with a Parasol,” “Two Girls” marks an evolution in her ability to capture fleeting moments with heightened sensitivity.
Anecdote
“The beauty of the moment is to be seized before it fades,” Morisot is said to have remarked, inspired by the sweet scent of spring flowers. It was that morning, with the song of birds and the soft light filtering through the trees, that she composed this pictorial work , a tribute to the bond of the two children. This canvas reflects her kind and contemplative gaze.