Nude Seen from Behind by Berthe Morisot

Nude Seen from Behind

Berthe Morisot · 1889

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“Stop to appreciate the tender intimacy of this print, where the artist's delicate drypoint lines capture a private moment and the subtle play of light on the human form.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This drypoint print, "Nude Seen from Behind," captures a private moment with remarkable intimacy. The figure, a woman, turns away from us, her form rendered with a delicate touch that suggests both vulnerability and a quiet strength. The artist uses the drypoint technique to create soft, feathery lines, particularly visible in the contours of the body and the subtle shading of the background. This approach allows for a sense of movement and immediacy, as if we've stumbled upon the scene unawares. The work, created in 1889, reflects a period when many Impressionist artists were exploring domestic subjects and the female form, often with a focus on capturing fleeting impressions rather than idealized classical beauty. Here, the focus is on naturalism and the subtle play of light and shadow across the model's back, emphasizing the human form without overt drama.

DETAILS
Artist
Berthe Morisot
Date
1889
Medium
Drypoint on cream laid paper
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
Image: 13.9 × 9.8 cm (5 1/2 × 3 7/8 in.); Plate: 13.9 × 9.8 cm (5 1/2 × 3 7/8 in.); Sheet: 27.2 × 20.9 cm (10 3/4 × 8 1/4 in.)
Collection
Prints and Drawings
Culture
France
Credit line
Albert Roullier Memorial Collection
ART MOVEMENTS
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What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Nude Seen from Behind
01

Observe the delicate, almost feathery lines created by the drypoint technique.

02

Notice how the light seems to fall across the woman's back, highlighting her form.

03

Look at the subtle shading in the background, which creates depth without clear details.

04

See the intimate scale of the print, drawing you closer to the scene.

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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.

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