Hide and Seek 1873

Berthe Morisot likely painted Hide and Seek in the late 19th century, capturing a moment of leisure that reflects the changing roles of women in Impressionist circles. Morisot, as a woman artist within the male-dominated Impressionist movement, often focused on domestic scenes and portraits of women and children. Here, we see a mother and child engaged in a playful game, a subject matter that allowed Morisot to explore the emotional and social lives of women in her milieu. The loose brushwork and focus on light evoke a sense of fleeting intimacy. Morisot develops an alternative narrative by actively engaging with the prevailing social norms, and depicting the world from a distinctly feminine perspective. "There is no such thing as great talent without great will-power," she once said, a testament to her determination to carve out space for women within the artistic establishment. This painting gently invites us to consider the private, yet socially shaped, experiences of women as mothers and individuals during a transformative time.