Swan and Duck, with portraits of Julie (Cygne et canard, avec portraits de Julie, or Cygne et canard, essai)

Swan and Duck, with portraits of Julie (Cygne et canard, avec portraits de Julie, or Cygne et canard, essai) is a delicate drypoint print created by the celebrated French Impressionist master Berthe Morisot in 1889. Unlike the oil paintings for which she is best known, this work showcases Morisot’s skillful command of graphic arts. The drypoint medium involves drawing directly onto a copper plate using a sharp stylus, which displaces metal to create a burr; when inked, this burr results in a characteristic soft, velvety line, lending an ephemeral quality to the image.

The subject matter seamlessly blends a domestic portrait with observational study. The title references both the aquatic life-swans and ducks-and the inclusion of Morisot’s daughter, Julie Manet, who served as one of the artist’s most frequent models. Julie's presence grounds the study of nature within an intimate, familial context, a recurring theme throughout Morisot’s career. As a prominent figure among the Impressionists in France, Morisot continually sought to capture the fleeting moments and luminosity of everyday life, translating the spontaneity of her sketches into formal prints.

This particular piece exemplifies the subtlety Morisot achieved in her monochromatic prints, demonstrating her ability to evoke texture and light despite the limited palette. Produced late in her career, the 1889 drypoint shows the artist experimenting with line and shadow to define form rather than relying on color. This valuable impression, reflective of Morisot’s contributions to late 19th-century French graphic arts, is housed within the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.