Young Woman with a Straw Hat by Morisot, Berthe

Morisot, Berthe · 1884

Berthe Morisot, a pioneering Impressionist, captured everyday moments with remarkable detail, like the delicate adornments in her 1884 painting, *Young Woman with a Straw Hat*, at the Musée Marmottan Monet.

Morisot, one of the three great female Impressionists, had a signature style: loose brushstrokes and a light palette to emphasize light and atmosphere over precise detail. This piece shows a woman in a straw hat, decorated with soft pink and purple flowers, and a light dress featuring subtle white lace patterns. The fluid brushwork captures a sense of spontaneity.

Morisot initially exhibited at the prestigious Paris Salon but later joined the independent Impressionist exhibitions, breaking from traditional art institutions. Her decision helped usher in a new era of artistic expression.

What details do you notice first in Morisot's work?

Details

She often captured women in quiet, everyday moments.

She broke from the official Salon to join the 'rejected' Impressionists.

Look closely at the detail on her straw hat.

Now look at the delicate patterns of her dress.

Transcript

This painter was one of the three great ladies of Impressionism. She often captured women in quiet, everyday moments. She broke from the official Salon to join the 'rejected' Impressionists. Look closely at the detail on her straw hat. Tiny, soft pink and purple flowers adorn the brim. Now look at the delicate patterns of her dress. Even the fine white lace is rendered with fluid brushstrokes.