Portrait of Julie Manet

The Portrait of Julie Manet is a late-career masterpiece created in 1890 by the celebrated Impressionist, Berthe Morisot French, 1841–1895. This deeply personal work captures the artist’s niece and frequent model, Julie Manet, who was the daughter of Morisot’s sister Edma and the painter Édouard Manet. The piece exemplifies Morisot’s intimate approach to subject matter, focusing on domestic life and the shifting moods of young womanhood in late 19th-century France.

Morisot’s technical classification of this piece as a Print highlights her innovative experimentation with materials, moving beyond traditional Impressionist oil work. The medium itself is a sophisticated transfer drawing, meticulously prepared using charcoal and red chalk applied to light tan tracing paper. This delicate composition was then laid down on white wove paper before being secured to millboard. This complex layering gives the work both the immediacy of a preparatory sketch and the permanence required for the transfer process.

Morisot’s handling of the charcoal defines the contours and shadow, while the soft application of red chalk subtly introduces color and dimension to the sitter’s expression. This contrast emphasizes the psychological depth of Julie Manet, a recurring figure in the artist’s oeuvre. Executed five years before the artist’s death, the Portrait of Julie Manet provides crucial insight into Morisot's mature style and her continued dedication to depicting her inner circle. This significant piece from the history of French Impressionism is preserved in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.