Peonies c. 1869

Berthe Morisot’s "Peonies" is an oil painting that depicts a bouquet of pink flowers in a glass. It prompts questions about the public role of art and the politics of imagery, especially when considering the social conditions that shaped Morisot’s artistic production. Morisot was part of the Impressionist movement in France, a group that challenged the academic standards of the time. She, like other Impressionists, sought to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life. But as a woman, her access to public spaces and thus subjects was limited. Confined to the domestic sphere, she often depicted interior scenes and portraits of women. This seemingly simple still life, then, becomes a statement. Was it a rebellion against the established art institutions? Historical documents, such as letters and exhibition reviews, shed light on how Morisot navigated the art world. This work encourages us to reflect on how social and institutional contexts shape our understanding of art.