Young Woman at Rest

Young Woman at Rest by Berthe Morisot French, 1841-1895, is an exquisite example of the artist’s graphic work created late in her career. Executed in 1889, this print utilized the demanding drypoint technique, rendered in black ink on cream laid paper. Morisot, a central figure in the Impressionist movement and the only female artist to exhibit consistently with the group, approached printmaking with the same spontaneity and focus on light and atmosphere that defined her painting. Although she is primarily known for her oils and watercolors, the subtle, fuzzy lines inherent to drypoint allowed Morisot to translate intimate, everyday scenes into a delicate, immediate graphic form.

The subject matter, characteristic of Morisot’s output in 19th-century France, depicts a private moment of relaxation. The young woman, rendered through quick, energetic lines, leans back in an attitude of quiet contemplation, her face softly sketched. The drypoint medium, which involves scratching directly into the metal plate, creates a distinctive burr that holds ink, resulting in soft, velvety lines when printed. Morisot masterfully employs these textural variations to suggest form and shadow without relying on traditional outlines or heavy modeling. This delicate approach, prioritizing impression over detail, distinguishes her handling of graphic arts.

Created just a few years before her death, this 1889 work confirms Morisot’s dedication to capturing the interior life of women, often focusing on leisure and domesticity. The relatively small scale and immediacy of the print exemplify how the Impressionists sought to make art less monumental and more accessible to a wider audience. Works such as this showcase Morisot’s mastery across media, cementing her legacy not only as a painter but also as a skilled printmaker. The piece is permanently held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.