Rosbras, Brittany 1867

Berthe Morisot captured this scene of Rosbras, Brittany with oil on canvas. Morisot, a woman in the Impressionist circle, often found herself navigating the restricted roles assigned to women in 19th-century France. In this tranquil harbor scene, Morisot subtly challenges the era's gendered expectations. We see figures along the dock, including a woman in traditional dress. While the art world largely confined women to domestic or portraiture subjects, here Morisot, places herself in the traditionally male dominated genre of landscape painting. This wasn't just about pretty scenery; it was about asserting her presence and perspective in a world that often overlooked women's visions. As Morisot herself said, "I don't think there has ever been a man who treated a woman as an equal, and that's all I would have asked for, because I know I'm worth as much as they are." The gentle brushstrokes and soft light evoke a sense of quiet observation, reflecting Morisot's personal connection to the scene and her quiet rebellion against societal norms.