Woman and child in a meadow in Bougival
- Original dimensions
- 73.3 x 60.1 cm
- Museum
- National Museum of Cardiff
- Year
- 1882
Scene depicted
This cheerful scene highlights a woman with a gentle smile holding a child in her arms, both lost in the tranquility of a lush meadow. The light sparkles on the foliage as a moment of complicity is suspended in time. The echoes of birdsong and the scent of fresh herbs envelop this delicate vision, making this painting a true homage to nature flooded with light.
Historical context
Created in 1882, this iconic work takes place in Bougival, a charming commune on the banks of the Seine. Iconic of the Impressionist movement, Woman and Child in a Meadow at Bougival captures the essence of a time when art emancipates itself from conventions. Today, this canvas is carefully preserved at the National Museum of Cardiff , where it continues to captivate art lovers with its dimensions of 73.3 x 60.1 cm.
Place in the artist's career
Woman and Child in a Meadow at Bougival is situated at a significant turning point in Berthe Morisot 's career. After her first exhibitions, she asserts her unique style, in contrast to the works of Manet or Monet. It can be compared to The Woman with a Fan and The Cradle , showing the evolution of her feminine and intimate gaze on everyday life.
Anecdote
“Nature is my muse,” said Berthe Morisot . It was on a sunny morning, amidst the rustling leaves and the laughter of children, that she sketched the idea for this painting . The light and joyful atmosphere of this moment was the seed of the masterpiece , a vibrant composition where maternal tenderness flourishes at the heart of a flowering meadow.