Duck and Reeds

Berthe Morisot, 1889

MEDIUMDrypoint on wove paper
DIMENSIONSsheet: 14 1/16 x 10 15/16 in. (35.7 x 27.8 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONDrawings and Prints
CREDIT LINEPurchase, Rogers Fund and Jacob H. Schiff Bequest, 1922

This serene drypoint print by Impressionist Berthe Morisot captures a fleeting moment in nature, highlighting her delicate touch and masterful use of line to evoke atmosphere and light.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

Step into the tranquil world of Berthe Morisot's 'Duck and Reeds,' a delicate drypoint print from 1889. Morisot, a celebrated Impressionist painter and printmaker, was known for her intimate scenes, often depicting women, children, and landscapes with a distinct softness and immediacy. This piece, created just six years before her death, showcases her mastery of drypoint, a technique that allows for rich, velvety lines. While many of her well-known works, such as 'Woman at Her Toilette' or 'On the Balcony,' capture human figures, 'Duck and Reeds' offers a quiet moment in nature, reflecting her broader engagement with various subjects. The impressionistic approach, characterized by a focus on light and atmosphere rather than sharp outlines, is evident even in this monochromatic print, inviting viewers to appreciate the subtle interplay of form and texture. At 48 years old when she created this work, Morisot was well into her mature artistic period, continuing to explore and refine her unique vision.

ART MOVEMENTS
Impressionism
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The soft, feathery lines of the duck's plumage

2

The delicate, almost shimmering texture of the reeds

3

The subtle reflections on the water's surface

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Audio Deep Dive

This serene drypoint print by Impressionist Berthe Morisot captures a fleeting moment in nature, highlighting her delicate touch and masterful use of line to e…

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THE ARTIST
Berthe Morisot 1841–1895 · France

Berthe Morisot, a pioneering Impressionist, captured intimate domestic scenes and landscapes, often featuring women and children, with a luminous touch.

Read Berthe's full story in Art Whisper
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