Berthe Morisot (In Black) 1872 - 1874

Editor: This is "Berthe Morisot (In Black)" by Edouard Manet, created between 1872 and 1874. It’s a lithograph, so a print. I’m struck by the contrast between the detailed face and the almost abstract rendering of the rest of her figure. What stands out to you? Curator: For me, it's the context. Manet, a male artist, portraying Morisot, a female artist who navigated the male-dominated Impressionist world. Her gaze, her agency... does this lithograph empower or objectify her, and how much was she a collaborator? The use of black and white strips away colour, which can allow us to consider how gender and class intersect in her portrayal. What do you think the choice to render her in monochrome does for her representation? Editor: I hadn’t considered the question of the lack of color as a means to create certain effects. I suppose it makes you concentrate on her expression, and maybe also the texture. What was the relationship between Manet and Morisot? Did it influence his representation? Curator: Their relationship was complex—colleagues, friends, and familial since she married his brother. Understanding this dynamic encourages us to unpack the power dynamics at play. Was this portrait a means of support or control, of showcasing her talent or subtly defining her within the artistic landscape of the time? This also calls into question the myth of the solo genius. The question that always drives my thinking is: what dialogues is it fostering or suppressing about women's access to creative autonomy and visibility? Editor: So, beyond the surface beauty of the portrait, you are highlighting the power dynamics at play during its creation, inviting us to question assumptions about authorship, representation, and gender. That really shifts my perception. Curator: Exactly! Art is never created in a vacuum, and exploring those complex relationships provides rich insights into art history and beyond.