“Julie Manet and her Nurse” is an oil on canvas genre painting created by Berthe Morisot in 1880, exemplifying the Impressionist movement of that era. This artwork is currently housed at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The artwork captures a tender and intimate moment between a young child and her nurse, emphasizing a common theme in genre paintings that focus on everyday life scenes. The child, Julie Manet, is seated and is the focal point of the composition. She is adorned in a white dress, which is painted in loose, impressionistic brushstrokes, giving the fabric a luminous and textured appearance. The nurse, positioned behind Julie, is depicted leaning over with an affectionate and protective demeanor. The background is rendered with a subdued palette and softened shapes, allowing the figures to stand out, a reflection of the Impressionist approach to light and form.
Morisot’s brushwork is dynamic and visible throughout the artwork, consistent with the Impressionist technique that seeks to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. The nurse’s attire, with a ribbon in her hair, is portrayed with a sense of movement, while her facial features are suggested with minimal lines, rather than detailed realism. The expressions on the faces of Julie and her nurse are serene, evoking a sense of calm and domesticity. Overall, the painting exudes a warm and engaging aura, inviting viewers into a moment of everyday life imbued with the unique sensitivity of Berthe Morisot’s artistic vision.
