Young Woman at Rest

"Young Woman at Rest" is an intimate drypoint created by the celebrated French Impressionist, Berthe Morisot, in 1889. As one of the few female pioneers of the Impressionist movement in France, Morisot typically focused on domestic scenes and portraits of women and children, often capturing moments of quiet repose and contemplation. This specific drypoint exemplifies her commitment to depicting modern life with immediacy and sensitivity.

The print medium, drypoint, is characterized by the unique, velvety burr created when the needle incises the copper plate. This technique yields a softness and atmospheric quality distinct from standard etching, allowing Morisot to achieve delicate tonal shifts similar to her painted works. The subject, a young woman, is captured in a private, reflective moment, emphasizing the quiet dignity Morisot brought to her domestic subjects.

While primarily known for her oils and watercolors, Morisot produced a small but significant body of prints late in her career. These graphic works offered an opportunity to explore line and shadow in contrast to the fluid brushstrokes of her paintings. Produced during the late 1880s, the piece reflects the continuing focus on the interiority of female subjects characteristic of Morisot's broader oeuvre. This important French print resides within the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, offering valuable insight into the technical versatility of Morisot.