The artwork titled “Girl gathering cherries” is an oil on canvas painting crafted by Berthe Morisot in 1891. It measures 53 by 85 centimeters and exemplifies the Impressionist movement. It is classified as a genre painting and is currently part of a private collection. The painting portrays a moment of everyday life with an intimate and immediate feel, which is characteristic of the Impressionist style.
In the artwork, the viewer observes a young girl, rendered with loose and expressive brushstrokes, engaged in the activity of cherry picking. The ambient outdoor light seems to dapple across her form, with an array of swift and vibrant marks capturing the dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Her figure is slightly off-center and tilted, creating a sense of movement, as her arm is outstretched towards a cherry tree branch. The use of light pastel hues and the indication of the foliage in swift brushwork give the painting a fresh and lively atmosphere. Morisot’s focus on the figure and the momentary action is palpable, inviting the viewer to experience a simple, yet evocative, summer scene.
