Berthe Morisot: The Artist’s Daughter with a Parakeet

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inBerthe Morisot, ChasingArt, Impressionism, Julie Manet, National Gallery of ArtTags:, , , ,

The Artist’s Daughter with a Parakeet, 1890 Impressionism Portrait Oil, Canvas Berthe Morisot

Berthe Morisot’s The Artist’s Daughter with a Parakeet is a fascinating example of Impressionist art. Created in 1890, this portrait showcases Morisot’s skillful use of oil on canvas to depict a tender moment. The painting, now part of the Chester Dale Collection, offers a glimpse into the artist’s world and captures the essence of Impressionist aesthetics.

Berthe Morisot, The Artist’s Daughter with a Parakeet, French, 1841 – 1895, 1890, oil on canvas, Chester Dale Collection (Public Domain)

This masterpiece exemplifies the Morisot’s ability to infuse everyday scenes with depth and emotion. Through her brushstrokes and choice of subject, she invites viewers to appreciate the beauty in life’s simple moments.

For art enthusiasts and scholars alike, The Artist’s Daughter with a Parakeet stands as a testament to Morisot’s contribution to the Impressionist movement and her enduring legacy in the world of art.

Berthe Morisot’s Daughter

The Artist's Daughter with a Parakeet
Berthe Morisot, The Artist’s Daughter with a Parakeet, French, 1841 – 1895, 1890, oil on canvas, Chester Dale Collection (Public Domain)

Berthe Morisot’s daughter, Julie Manet, was the subject of several paintings by her talented mother. Born in 1878, Julie Manet was surrounded by creativity and artistic expression from an early age. Growing up in a milieu filled with notable figures of the Impressionist movement, Julie’s upbringing undoubtedly influenced her perspective on art and beauty.

“My little Julie, I love you as I die; I will love you when I’m dead… you haven’t made me sad once in your little life. You have beauty and wealth; use them well.”

Berthe Morisot

Berthe Morisot’s poignant words to her daughter Julie Manet, written on the eve of her passing in February 1895, encapsulate a mother’s enduring love and hopes for her beloved child. With these words, Morisot expressed her deep affection for Julie, affirming a timeless bond that transcends mortality. The tender sentiments conveyed in Morisot’s message beautifully reflect the profound love and unwavering maternal devotion that characterized their relationship.

Julie Manet: The Last Manet and the Continuation of Impressionism

In 1957, at the age of almost 80 and having been a widow for a prolonged period, Julie Manet embarked on a poignant mission to a Paris gallery. Her intention was to acquire a final painting, one that she had observed Claude Monet painstakingly create. This act symbolized the culmination of a profound journey.

Julie Manet, in her own words, referred to herself as “the last Manet,” embodying the essence of Impressionism. Throughout her life, she remained intricately connected to the artistic world, surrounded by the influential figures of the movement. Her final act of acquiring a painting by Monet beautifully encapsulated the seamless continuity and her enduring legacy within the realm of Impressionism.

Julie was intricately woven into the fabric of the Impressionist movement from birth until her passing at the age of 88.

Julie’s remarkable presence, from her upbringing in the midst of artistic luminaries to her pivotal role as a custodian of Impressionism, solidifies her as a significant figure in art history. Her narrative serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the movement, gracefully carried forward by “the last Manet.”

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

26 thoughts on “Berthe Morisot: The Artist’s Daughter with a Parakeet”

  1. I love Julie’s expression, especially her gaze, and the soft colors of her portrait. What a beautiful story of maternal love that transformed for her daughter into a motherly love of art. A gorgeous share, Rebecca.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am fascinated by Berthe Morisot’s life, Diana. I read that she was in love with Édouard Manet but he was married. Then she met his brother Eugene and they lived happily ever after….

      As you know, being a female artist during that time was not easy. Despite facing challenges and criticism during her career, she remained dedicated to her art and continued to push boundaries. Her legacy as a pioneering female artist endures, inspiring generations of women to pursue their artistic passions and challenging the conventions of the art world. She was described by art critic Gustave Geffroy in 1894 as one of “les trois grandes dames” (The three great ladies) of Impressionism alongside Marie Bracquemond and Mary Cassatt.

      I continue to learn….

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. Truly a beautiful portrait.

    Fascinating history of the last Manet.

    You say at 80she travelled to Paris to collect a last Monet.

    Does this mean she had a collection of Impressionist paintings?

    If so, what happened to her collection when she passed?

    Always a joy to visit here, see something beautiful and learn.

    Thank you, Rebecca!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I read that Julie and her husband, Ernest Rouart dedicated themselves to ensuring the legacy of Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot in art history by donating their paintings to museums. Notably, the Fabre Museum in Montpellier accepted Morisot’s ‘Young Woman in front of the window called “Summer”’ with the help of connections. Following her mother’s wish, Julie donated her uncle’s La Dame aux évantails to the Louvre in 1930. Initially bought by Morisot after her brother-in-law’s death, she hesitated due to the scandal surrounding Manet’s painting Olympia. However, by 1930, the Louvre gladly welcomed the painting into its collection.

      There is so much more to this story that I still need to explore. It is a beautiful rabbit hole of creatives and family connections. I continue to learn…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am delighted that you joined me to view this painting by Berthe Morisot, Teagan! Like you – I try to imagine what is was like growing up Julie Manet! The atmosphere must have been vibrant and dynamic, which would foster a deep appreciation for beauty and innovation. From a young age, she was exposed to a world where self-expression was celebrated, and boundaries were constantly pushed. For me, paintings become more “real” when I know a little of the back story. Sending hugs on the wing!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. That’s so true. Although rather unexpected when it comes to paintings. In stories the backstory always adds another wonderful layer of relatability. True though it is, I had not thought about it for art. I love your insights, Rebecca. :)

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I am delighted that you enjoyed this post, Cindy. Berthe Morisot’s life is fascinating. She was the first woman impressionist but did not have the ability to frequent cafes. Instead, she held a weekly along at her home in Passy, which is in Paris’s 16th district. The takeaway to me goes to the saying “where there is a will, there is a way.”

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment, Liz. I read that Julie, who was an accomplished amateur painter, ceased exhibiting her artwork after getting married (that is another fascinating story). I agree – Julie’s paintings, along with a collection of letters, poems, diaries, and photographs, provides a glimpse into the intricate network of relationships that influenced a significant portion of French art and literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There is so much more yet to discover!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Many thanks for your comments and visit, Dave. Julie Manet faced profound losses at a young age. At 13, her father passed away, followed by her mother three years later due to influenza. In her diary, Julie expressed the poignant sentiment of being “the last of the Manets….one sad girl left to mourn them,” feeling the weight of mourning her parents and being the sole survivor of her immediate family. However, her life evolved and she found love, family and many reasons to embrace life with joy. Her legacy has given great insight into the impressionist community.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

You're welcome to join the dialogue!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.