Berthe Morisot with a Fan 1872

Edouard Manet painted this portrait of Berthe Morisot, in France, using oil on canvas. Manet was a leading figure in the Parisian art world. He was pivotal in the shift from academic painting to impressionism. This portrait captures Morisot, also a painter, in an intimate moment. The fan creates a barrier, obscuring her face, yet drawing us in. The loose brushwork was a radical move, rejecting the highly polished style of the French Academy. It was these institutions which dictated what was considered ‘good’ art. The informality challenges social norms and conventions of portraiture. The dark palette and obscured face suggest a sense of mystery, inviting speculation about her thoughts. Was Manet commenting on the restrictions placed on women in 19th-century society? Did his technique critique the art establishment? To understand more, we can delve into the archives of the art world at the time. Researching exhibition reviews, artists’ letters, and the biographies of Manet and Morisot, helps us place this artwork in its artistic and social context. The meaning of art is always contingent on its moment.