Seated Nude Seen from Behind

Seated Nude Seen from Behind is an expressive drypoint on wove paper created by the seminal French Impressionist Berthe Morisot in 1889. This intimate print exemplifies Morisot’s dedication to capturing female forms, often focusing on private, unposed moments within domestic settings rather than formalized studio poses.

The work utilizes the subtle, delicate qualities inherent in the drypoint technique. Morisot scratched the design directly onto the copper plate, yielding characteristic metal burrs that hold ink and result in soft, velvety lines when printed. This technique allowed Morisot to achieve a quality of light and atmospheric texture that mirrored the spontaneous observation central to Impressionism. The image captures the figure with intentionally blurred edges, emphasizing the fleeting nature of the moment.

While many male artists depicted the female nude for public consumption during the 19th century, Morisot’s graphic work frequently carries a unique sense of privacy and introspection. In this particular study of the female nudes subject, the figure is observed entirely from behind, obscuring identity and focusing attention solely on the gentle curvature of the back and shoulders. This approach differs significantly from academic traditions and allows the artist to explore light, shadow, and texture without conforming to prevailing classical ideals of the era. The piece demonstrates Morisot's technical skill and her distinct vision among her Impressionist peers.

The significance of Morisot’s contributions to both Impressionist painting and prints cannot be overstated. This example of her late-career graphic work resides in the extensive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As the work is now in the public domain, high-quality images of this Morisot masterpiece are widely accessible for study and appreciation.