Berthe Morisot

Berthe Morisot is an exquisite etching created in 1872 by the seminal French artist Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883). This intimate portrait was executed in brown ink on blue laid paper, a sophisticated choice of materials that enhances the subtle tonality achieved through the printmaking process.

The subject, Berthe Morisot, was not only a highly respected painter in her own right and a crucial figure in the burgeoning Impressionist movement but also Manet’s frequent model and later his sister-in-law. Manet created numerous portraits of Morisot during the 1860s and 1870s, exploring her likeness across various media. This print demonstrates Manet’s proficiency as a graphic artist, utilizing the etching technique to capture Morisot’s characteristic pensive expression with economical, sharp lines. The texture of the laid paper subtly interacts with the brown ink, giving the finished work a delicacy distinct from his oil paintings.

The plate was published by Louis Dumont in France, indicating the contemporary desire to circulate images of celebrated figures and important artistic works beyond the gallery space. While known primarily for his mastery of oil painting, Manet produced a significant body of prints, often collaborating with commercial publishers like Dumont to broaden the accessibility of his graphic output. Produced during a pivotal period in French art history, the work reflects the artist's engagement with modern subjects and the evolution of art distribution. Today, this important piece is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The historical importance of works such as this makes them prime candidates for release into the public domain, ensuring global access to high-quality reproductions of 19th-century French prints.