Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets by Édouard Manet (Interpretation and Analysis)
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| Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Although Manet knew most of the most prominent artists of the Impressionist movement, he had a special relationship with Impressionist Berthe Morisot, whom he met in 1868. The two quickly developed a friendship, and, when Morisot married Manet's brother six years later, they became family. The two artists influenced and inspired each other, which led to Manet painting Morisot several times throughout his career.
One of these portraits of Morisot, entitled Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets, has become particularly famous, with some critics even labeling it his finest painting. This painting depicts Morisot in a black mourning dress and hat; she holds a bunch of violets that are almost invisible against her dark clothing.
It is a strange, yet hypnotically beautiful portrait. One half of Morisot’s face is in shadow, while the other side of her face is brightly illuminated. This is not something that Manet typically did when painting faces, and the contrast draws the viewer’s eye to Morisot’s face and gives it an intense, almost otherworldly quality. Her expression is serious, yet Manet has clearly captured her creative and intelligent bent of bind. Her dark clothing serves to further accentuate her face, and the different shades of black themselves are visually interesting. In a time when most artists were interested in painting light, Manet worked to convey depth and shape in a veritable rainbow of different shades of black.
Although this painting is endlessly interesting from an art historical perspective, I think it is most impactful when you consider the relationship of the two artists. It is a lovely memento of friendship and affection that transcends time, and that, in the end, is what makes it so memorable.
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.
One of these portraits of Morisot, entitled Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets, has become particularly famous, with some critics even labeling it his finest painting. This painting depicts Morisot in a black mourning dress and hat; she holds a bunch of violets that are almost invisible against her dark clothing.
It is a strange, yet hypnotically beautiful portrait. One half of Morisot’s face is in shadow, while the other side of her face is brightly illuminated. This is not something that Manet typically did when painting faces, and the contrast draws the viewer’s eye to Morisot’s face and gives it an intense, almost otherworldly quality. Her expression is serious, yet Manet has clearly captured her creative and intelligent bent of bind. Her dark clothing serves to further accentuate her face, and the different shades of black themselves are visually interesting. In a time when most artists were interested in painting light, Manet worked to convey depth and shape in a veritable rainbow of different shades of black.
Although this painting is endlessly interesting from an art historical perspective, I think it is most impactful when you consider the relationship of the two artists. It is a lovely memento of friendship and affection that transcends time, and that, in the end, is what makes it so memorable.
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.
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