Woman at Her Toilette

Berthe Morisot

Created:
Movement:
1875–80
Impressionism
key Notes:
Intimate domesticity, Impressionist brushwork
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Dimensions:
60.3 × 80.4 cm (23 3/4 × 31 5/8 in.); Framed: 85.8 × 105.5 × 10.5 cm (33 3/4 × 41 1/2 × 4 1/8 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Woman at Her Toilette" is a notable work by French Impressionist painter Berthe Morisot, created in 1875. The painting exemplifies Morisot's focus on domestic life and the intimate portrayal of women, a recurring theme in her oeuvre. It depicts a woman engaged in the act of grooming, highlighting the private rituals of femininity. Morisot employs loose brushwork and a light color palette, characteristic of the Impressionist style, to convey a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The composition is notable for its asymmetry and the use of natural light, which enhances the softness of the scene. This work reflects Morisot's innovative approach to subject matter and her role in the Impressionist movement, where she was one of the few prominent female artists. "Woman at Her Toilette" is part of the collection at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, further solidifying Morisot's significance in the history of art.

Description of the work:

"Woman at Her Toilette" by Berthe Morisot features a seated female figure engaged in the act of grooming, positioned in a domestic interior. The composition is characterized by a soft, light palette dominated by whites, creams, and pastel hues, which evoke a sense of intimacy and tranquility. The figure is depicted in profile, with her head turned slightly, allowing for a view of her delicate features and the flowing lines of her attire. Morisot employs loose brushwork, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, while also capturing the texture of the fabrics and the play of light across the scene. The background is rendered with a subtle blur, emphasizing the subject and enhancing the overall atmosphere of domesticity. The use of light is particularly notable, as it filters through the space, illuminating the figure and creating soft shadows that add depth to the composition. The painting exemplifies Morisot's mastery of color and form, reflecting her innovative approach within the Impressionist movement.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Woman at Her Toilette