The artwork titled “Griffon dog’s head, Follette” was created by the Impressionist artist Berthe Morisot in 1882. It is an oil painting on canvas, exemplifying the Impressionist movement’s focus on light and color. The genre painting measures 36.8 x 29.5 cm and is part of a private collection. Morisot’s work is significant for its contribution to the Impressionist genre, which sought to capture the transient effects of light and atmosphere on the subjects depicted.
In the artwork, the artist captures the essence of a Griffon dog with a focus on the animal’s head. Brushstrokes that appear rapid and are visible convey both the texture of the dog’s fur and the movement inherent in the scene. This impressionistic approach offers a sense of immediacy, a hallmark of the movement to which Morisot belonged. The background is characterized by loose, abstracted brushwork that suggests foliage, contributing to an overall feeling of a moment captured in time.
Colors in the painting are subtle yet luminous, consisting of a blend of earthy and green tones that suggest an outdoor setting where natural light plays upon the subject. The dog’s form is rendered with a softness that implies gentleness, yet the gaze is indistinct, alluding to the fleeting interactions between humans and their animal companions. Morisot’s technique, with its emphasis on the interplay of light and color over precise detail, is on full display, inviting viewers to engage with the sensory experience rather than seeking detailed realism.
