“Jeannie’s Head (Tête de Jeannie)” is an artwork by Berthe Morisot dated to 1888. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Impressionist movement, both in technique and sensibility. It measures 33.02 by 14.75 centimeters and falls within the genre painting category. Currently, this artwork is held in a private collection, reflecting the personalized interest and value that such works command outside public institutions.
The artwork in question captures a close-up depiction of a young girl, portrayed in profile. The brushstrokes are characteristically loose and expressive, a hallmark of the Impressionist style, which sought to convey the fleeting effects of light and color. Morisot’s use of vivid and harmonious hues creates a soft, intimate atmosphere. The background is rendered in cool tones and abstract shapes, allowing the warm colors of Jeannie’s hair and flesh to stand out, thus drawing the viewer’s focus to her visage.
The composition is intimate, cropping close to the subject’s head and obscuring much of the surrounding environment to emphasize the girl’s features and the play of light upon them. The profile view is contemplative, projecting an air of quiet introspection or perhaps a moment of candidness captured by the artist. Despite the small size of the canvas, Morisot succeeds in conveying a sense of character and presence, making “Jeannie’s Head” a compelling example of genre painting within the Impressionist oeuvre.
