Swan and Duck, with Portraits of Julie

Berthe Morisot, 1889

MEDIUMDrypoint on wove paper
DIMENSIONSsheet: 10 7/8 x 13 11/16 in. (27.7 x 34.7 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art

This charming drypoint by Impressionist Berthe Morisot captures a tender moment between nature and family, featuring her daughter Julie alongside graceful birds. It's a beautiful example of her intimate domestic scenes.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

Berthe Morisot, a celebrated Impressionist painter and printmaker, created this intimate drypoint, "Swan and Duck, with Portraits of Julie," in 1889. Morisot was known for her depictions of domestic life, gardens, and portraits of women and children, often her own family members. This piece beautifully exemplifies her characteristic focus on everyday scenes, capturing a fleeting moment with a sense of light and immediacy. The inclusion of her daughter, Julie Manet, in this composition is a recurring theme in Morisot's oeuvre, as seen in works like "Young Girl with a Cat" from the same year. Through the delicate lines of drypoint, Morisot masterfully conveys the textures of the birds' feathers and the softness of the human form, inviting viewers into her personal world and demonstrating her skill beyond painting. This work offers a glimpse into her private life while also showcasing her innovative approach to printmaking within the Impressionist movement.

ART MOVEMENTS
Impressionism
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What to Notice

1

The delicate, feathery lines of the swan and duck.

2

The soft, almost ethereal quality of Julie's portraits.

3

The contrast between the animal and human forms.

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Audio Deep Dive

This charming drypoint by Impressionist Berthe Morisot captures a tender moment between nature and family, featuring her daughter Julie alongside graceful bird…

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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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