Morisot, Berthe (1841-1895)
Portrait d’une femme (Portrait of a Woman)
1872–1875
Oil on canvas, 56 x 46.1 cm
Courtauld Institute of Art, London
Formerly entitled ‘Portrait of the Artist’s Sister, Mme Edma Pontillon(?)’
This woman has just turned her head to look directly at the viewer. The portrait is characterised by unidealised sincerity, and implies that the painter knows the sitter very well. This has led to the identification of the woman with Morisot’s sister Edmé.
Berthe Morisot belonged to a wealthy family. She was close to Manet, and married his brother Eugène. An important member of the Impressionist circle, Morisot was the only woman represented in their first group exhibition in 1874. (Courtauld)
See also:
• Morisot, Edma (1839-1921)