Young Woman at Rest by Berthe Morisot

Young Woman at Rest

Berthe Morisot · 1889

Scroll

“This drypoint offers a rare, intimate glimpse into a private moment of rest, rendered with the delicate lines of a technique Berthe Morisot used sparingly. It’s a quiet, personal reflection on daily life, characteristic of Impressionism.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A young woman reclines on a couch, her head softly resting on a cushion, in this intimate drypoint by Berthe Morisot. The scene captures a moment of quiet repose, a hallmark of the Impressionist movement's focus on everyday life. Morisot, one of the few women to exhibit with the Impressionists, often depicted domestic scenes and female models, creating a sense of naturalness and immediacy. Here, the fine lines of the drypoint technique allow for delicate details, from the gentle curls of the model's hair to the intricate carving of a swan on the armrest of the ornate chair beside her. This print feels particularly personal, offering a glimpse into a private world, rendered with a light touch that suggests rather than defines, inviting the viewer to complete the scene in their mind.

DETAILS
Artist
Berthe Morisot
Date
1889
Medium
drypoint
Location
Cleveland Museum of Art
Dimensions
[object Object]
Collection
Prints
Culture
France
Credit line
Dr. Gerard and Phyllis Seltzer Fund
ART MOVEMENTS
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Pick one and we’ll show you exactly where to look.

Young Woman at Rest

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01

The resting face

Find the small, softly drawn face in the middle. Just a few light lines give her a drowsy, faraway look.

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02

Hand holding the head

Her hand props up her head at the left of her face, and a dark band at the wrist may be a bracelet or cuff. The pose feels relaxed and casual.

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03

Long flowing hair

Look at the long hair falling past her shoulder. Many fine, quick strokes of the drypoint needle give it movement and a soft, slightly fuzzy look.

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04

Carved swan arm

On the far left, the chair arm curls into a scroll shape, drawn with firmer, darker lines than the figure. It frames her pose and gives the soft figure something solid to lean against.

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05Whole painting

Small image, big margin

The tiny plate sits in a wide field of blank paper. That empty space makes the scene feel quiet, private and hushed.

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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 Morisot’s full story
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