Artwork
Julie Manet and her Greyhound, Laertes
Julie Manet and her Greyhound, Laertes is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It is held in the collection of the Musée Marmottan Monet.
About this work
Overview
Berthe Morisot’s 1897 oil painting presents a domestic interior in which a young girl sits on a sofa while a light‑coloured sighthound stands nearby. The composition is anchored by a muted wall and a framed picture in the background, creating a tranquil atmosphere that emphasizes the quiet interaction between the figures.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays Julie Manet, a member of an artistic family, alongside her greyhound, Laertes. The gentle pose and the animal’s attentive gaze suggest a moment of personal affection and calm, reflecting the everyday intimacy of family life rather than a formal portraiture convention.
Technique & Style
Morisot employs a palette of soft, subdued hues and delicate brushwork characteristic of late Impressionism. The handling of light on the fabric and the dog’s fur is subtle, allowing forms to emerge through tonal variation rather than sharp outlines, which enhances the sense of immediacy and quiet observation.
History & Provenance
Completed in the final decade of Morisot’s career, the painting entered the collection of the Musée Marmottan Monet, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on works by artists associated with the Impressionist circle and the preservation of Morisot’s legacy.
Context
Created during a period when Morisot was an established figure within the Impressionist network, the portrait connects to a broader tradition of depicting family members in informal settings. The inclusion of Julie Manet, herself an artist and daughter of Eugène Manet, underscores the intergenerational ties among French avant‑garde families of the era.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Berthe Marie Pauline Morisot (French: ; 14 January 1841 – 2 March 1895) was a French painter, printmaker and a member of the circle of painters in Paris who became known as the Impressionists.
