The Tuileries 1885

Berthe Morisot's 'The Tuileries' captures a scene rendered in watercolour, a medium that lends itself to fluidity and spontaneity. The composition is organized by layers of vegetation that frame a white balustrade, behind which the blue-grey sky sets the scene. The textures are soft and blended, as Morisot uses gentle washes to create a sense of depth. The painting evokes a feeling of quiet contemplation, a moment captured fleetingly. This effect is reinforced by the indistinct forms within the work, for example, the sculptural figures that appear almost spectral due to their lack of firm definition. Morisot’s technique challenges the traditional modes of representation, favouring impressionistic suggestions over precise detail. This aligns with the broader intellectual currents of the late 19th century that questioned the stability of perception and representation. In this way, 'The Tuileries' destabilizes conventional modes of seeing and invites us to explore new ways of understanding the relationship between the eye, the mind, and the world.