Berthe Morisot
On this day in 1841, Berthe Morisot, a French painter, printmaker, and member of the circle of painters in Paris who became known as the Impressionists, was born. On this occasion, we present one of her beautiful works!
This spontaneous, luminous portrait of a young woman in a ball gown stands in stark contrast to the polished society portraits regularly shown at the Salon. Here, Morisot combines Impressionism with a touch reminiscent of Édouard Manet—her brother-in-law—yet maintains a voice entirely her own. Unlike many Impressionists, she consistently received support from critics. When she exhibited about 15 works at the fifth Impressionist Exhibition in 1880, including this painting, critic Charles Ephrussi praised her with striking imagery in the Gazette des Beaux-Arts:
“Berthe Morisot is very French in her distinction, elegance, gaiety and nonchalance… She grinds flower petals onto her palette… to spread them with airy, witty touches… producing something vital, fine, and charming.”
His words perfectly suit this painting, where the sitter seems enveloped by blooms and greenery that echo the floral trimmings of her dress—an interplay of subject and setting rendered with effortless grace.
Morisot was admired by fellow artists as well. Young Girl in a Ball Dress was purchased immediately by the painter Giuseppe de Nittis, who had exhibited with the Impressionists. It later belonged to critic Théodore Duret, and in 1894, at the urging of poet Stéphane Mallarmé, he agreed to sell it to the French State—securing the painting’s place in public hands.
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P.P.S. Discover the story of Berthe Morisot—one of the most talented Impressionists!