Berthe Morisot: The First Lady of Impressionism

by Margaret Shennan

This biography explores many of the questions that have surrounded Berthe Morisot since her death, such as the rumor that she was descended from the 18th-century French master, Fragonard; the true nature of her relationship with Edouard Manet and her decision to marry his brother Eugene; and why, in spite of political and cultural connections, did she find happiness and public recognition so elusive? Morisot, one of France's most distinguished female painters, was born in 1841 and grew up within a cultured, well-connected Parisian family during the Second Empire. Tutored by Guichard and Corot, Morisot and her sister developed their artistic skills by copying old masters at the Louvre and by working in the open air. Fiercely independent and avant-garde, she contributed to most of the Impressionist exhibitions of 1874-86. Edouard Manet became her greatest mentor, and Morisot enjoyed the friendships of Renoir, Degas, Monet, Fantin-Latour and Whistler.

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2000

Reviews

[Nadia Marshall]

I knew from the foreword by Pollock that this book was going to be a banger! The framework and verbiage by Shennan kept me engaged the entire time. Literally, Morisot is THAT GIRL. She is so messy but also rooted in girlhood. The final letter to Julie had my jaw drop. The scandals and emotional inertia between Berthe and Edma, as well as the Manet brothers had my eyebrows RAISED. No notes, read cover to cover quickly.

[ISRA]

Informative however more broadly than specifically focused on Berthe, while being centered on her. Her story is buried or steeped in social protocol and conventions as well as politics, war and class. Her personal problems were eclipsed by events and social expectations so even her narrative is/was suppressed for proprieties sake - so it’s unsurprising she was depressed and unhappy most of her life despite her best efforts. The most illuminating portions were her relationship to her sister Edma, Manet and later Renoir and Mallarme which is sprinkled throughout the book. I don’t leave any his book feeling like I know, see or understand Berthe any better as a person as I hoped to. I wish it was more concise and featured more quotes of her own writing. As it was her voice was stifled though her story is uniquely intriguing.

[Joann]

A very comprehensive biography of not just Morisot but also the times in which she lived, political, cultural and social. Morisot knew and worked with many familiar artists so it was enlightening to read of their interactions. There are also acceptable reproductions of her works throughout the book.