WHAT? Berthe Morisot: Shaping Impressionism

WHERE? Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD

WHEN? Now until 10th September 

WHY GO? To be wrapped in one big hug. Feminine yet masterly, Berthe Morisot’s beautiful paintings of domesticity in affluent French society depict an era of quiet strolls in gorgeous gardens and grand nights at the ballet.  She helped shape Impressionism according to this brilliantly curated exhibition which also includes artworks from great names like Gainsborough and Fragonard whose work inspired her.

A renowned beauty herself, Morisot was born into an upper class family with the privilege of private tutors but took her art seriously, painting right up until her untimely death at the age of 54 of pneumonia. 

Her daughter Julie, born when she was 37, is depicted throughout, often being looked after by nannies allowing her to get on with the profession of painting. 

A woman’s woman, she rarely painted men, posed her models away from a direct glare, everything was subtle, relaxed and leisurely.

This is an exhibition to escape today’s digital world and dream of taking tea on the verandah.

IN THE KNOW There are substantial loans from the Musee Marmottan Monet in Paris, where Morisot is exhibited alongside Edouard Manet for whom she modelled numerous times.  And, through that liaison, she met and married his brother Eugene Manet, keeping Impressionism in the family!