The artwork entitled “Getting Up” was crafted by the artist Berthe Morisot between 1885 and 1886. This piece is rendered in oil on canvas, exemplifying the Impressionist movement which Morisot was a part of. As a genre painting, it portrays an everyday scene and currently resides within a private collection.
In examining the artwork, one observes a figure, presumably a woman, captured in the process of rising from a bed. The composition reflects the hallmark technique of Impressionism, characterized by brisk brushstrokes that impart a sense of movement and vivacity. The rendering of the woman suggests a moment of transition, possibly as she begins her day, imbued with a gentle ease and naturalism that is typical of genre paintings.
The Impressionist style is further evident in the modulation of color and light, which generates an atmosphere rather than a detailed, realistic representation. The hues are lively and the play of light and shadow contributes to an overall impression of a fleeting moment captured on canvas. The subject’s pose is informal, and her expression appears contemplative, adding to the intimate and candid quality of the scene. The background, though more abstractly rendered, suggests the intimacy of a personal space, likely a bedroom, with just enough definition to ground the figure in her surroundings. Berthe Morisot’s skillful use of the medium and adherence to the Impressionist approach is unmistakable, making “Getting Up” a fine example of the genre and movement she was celebrated for.
