Artwork

Young Woman

Young Woman, by Berthe Morisot, oil, 1871
Young Woman, by Berthe Morisot, oil, 1871

Young Woman is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

About this work

Overview

Berthe Morisot’s 1871 oil on canvas, titled Young Woman, portrays a solitary female figure seated against a muted backdrop. The work measures a modest scale and is part of the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where it is displayed among other 19th‑century French paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, a young woman with dark hair, wears a white dress patterned with delicate blue blossoms. She holds a fan in her right hand, her gaze turned slightly to the right, and her expression remains neutral, inviting contemplation of her inner calm and the quiet poise of everyday life.

Technique & Style

Morisot employs a restrained palette, allowing the white of the dress and the soft blues of the floral motif to stand out against a deep, almost velvety background. Subtle chiaroscuro models the figure, while loose, fluid brushwork suggests the impressionist interest in atmosphere and fleeting presence.

History & Provenance

Created in the early years of Morisot’s career, the painting entered the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s collection through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition. Its presence in the museum highlights the institution’s commitment to representing women artists of the French Impressionist movement.

Portrait of a Young Woman
Portrait of a Young Woman, Alfred Stevens

Artist & collection

Portrait of Berthe Morisot

Artist

Berthe Morisot

Berthe Marie Pauline Morisot was a French painter, printmaker and a member of the circle of painters in Paris who became known as the Impressionists.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Young Woman?

Young Woman was painted by Berthe Morisot in 1871.

Where can I see Young Woman?

Young Woman is held by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

What movement is Young Woman?

Young Woman is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Young Woman?

Museum-quality prints of Young Woman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.