“Berthe Morisot with a Fan,” an artwork by Edouard Manet, created in 1872, Paris, France, is an oil painting on canvas. This Realism piece, measuring 60 x 45 cm, is a portrait that resides in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
The artwork presents a female figure, posited with an air of introspection or reservation, as she conceals part of her face behind an elegantly held fan. The figure is seated, enveloped in a dark, voluminous garment which contrasts against the warm tones of the surrounding environment. The somewhat shadowy and minimalist background emphasizes the form and poise of the subject, drawing the viewer’s attention to her presence and subtle expressions. The brushwork, characteristic of Manet’s style, is loose yet deliberate, capturing the essence of the subject with a refined realism that encapsulates both the sitter’s physicality and enigmatic aura.
