Young Girl Seated at a Table

"Young Girl Seated at a Table" by Berthe Morisot (French, 1841-1895) is a delicate and evocative graphite drawing rendered on cream laid paper. Morisot, an indispensable figure in the Impressionist movement, often turned her focus inward, documenting the quiet, intimate sphere of domestic life. This drawing, created sometime during the expansive period between 1861 and 1895, exemplifies her commitment to capturing the fleeting psychological states and casual postures of women and children, subjects she approached with unparalleled sensitivity.

The technique, executed in graphite, emphasizes the sitter's form through subtle shadow and light modulation rather than bold outlines. The subject, a young girl, is captured in a moment of repose, seated at a table with her head slightly bowed, suggesting introspection or concentration. This focus on internalized experience reflects the revolutionary shift in subject matter embraced by Morisot, whose contributions to art in France brought a distinct feminine perspective to the typically male-dominated Impressionist conversation.

Morisot's mastery of draftsmanship is evident in the expressive yet economical use of line. As an essential study from her mature period, the work provides insight into her working methods and her continuous search for natural, unposed representation. This important drawing is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Works such as this, providing key historical insight into late 19th-century French culture, are often digitized, and high-quality prints and reproductions are increasingly available to the public domain, ensuring the widespread study of this pioneering artist.