Julie Daydreaming by Berthe Morisot (Interpretation and Analysis)

Julie Daydreaming
Source: WikiArt

Among the great impressionist artists of the nineteenth century, there are few that are as undervalued and under-appreciated as Berthe Morisot. Morisot’s work was highly esteemed by other artists of her time—including famous painters like Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas,Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Claude Monet—however her paintings were largely ignored by art historians until recently.

While her work varies widely, one of her favorite subjects was her only child: Julie Manet. Julie Daydreaming is perhaps her most famous painting of her daughter; it depicts a sixteen year old Manet gazing wistfully at the viewer. Her expression is thoughtful; Manet is clearly lost in her own world, daydreaming as the title suggests.

On aesthetic merits alone, Julie Daydreaming is a beautiful painting. It is a charming piece that inexorably draws the eye. It is beautifully executed, a wonderful example of Morisot’s artistic skill.

While the painting captures Manet’s face, it is clearly a psychological portrait, an attempt to capture her character and inner life. In composition, the painting is simple and pared down. Julie Manet sits alone against a dark background, simply dressed in a white gown. This understated presentation highlights Manet’s strength of personality and her personal singularity. Although Julie Daydreaming was clearly executed by a loving hand, it is not a sentimental painting. Morisot allows Manet to have individuality and independence in this piece, which is what makes it so compelling.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.