The artwork “Julie Manet and her Greyhound Laerte” was created by artist Berthe Morisot in 1893. This portrait is executed in oil on canvas, exhibiting characteristics of the Impressionist movement. The piece measures 80 by 73 centimeters and is currently held at the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, France.
Depicted in the artwork, a young woman, Julie Manet, is portrayed alongside her greyhound, Laerte. The composition captures an intimate moment between the figure and her pet, suggesting a tender relationship between the two. Julie is seated, gazing pensively outward, not directly engaging with the viewer, which emphasizes a sense of candidness and introspection. She is adorned in a dark, flowing dress that contrasts with her fair complexion and reddish hair, which is elegantly styled.
The greyhound is positioned beside her, with an attentive expression and an elegant posture that mirrors the grace of its owner. The brushwork is characteristically loose and vibrant, a hallmark of the Impressionist style, allowing viewers to witness the play of light and color that animates the scene. The background elements, including a chair and domestic items, are rendered with rapid, spontaneous strokes, creating an impression of the surrounding space without meticulous detail. Morisot’s handling of the palette is nuanced, with a subtle interplay of light and shadow contributing to the overall airy and enigmatic atmosphere of the portrait.
