The artwork titled “Portrait of the Artist’s Mother and Sister” is a creation by Berthe Morisot, an artist associated with the Impressionism movement. The painting was executed between 1869 and 1870, utilizing oil on canvas. It measures 81.8 by 101 centimeters and falls under the genre of portraiture. Currently, it is housed in the National Gallery of Art, located in Washington, DC, United States.
In the artwork, we observe two figures composed with a soft touch characteristic of Impressionist style, emphasizing the effects of light and shadow rather than outlining precise details. On the right, the artist’s mother is depicted immersed in reading a book, dressed in somber tones with black being the dominant color. This contrasts with the other figure, presumably the artist’s sister, who is situated on the left side of the canvas sporting lighter attire with a prominent white dress complemented by delicate floral patterns and a blue bow adorning her hair. Both subjects are seated, sharing a domestic space that includes a table with a decorative bowl and a vibrant flower arrangement. The use of loose brushstrokes and the play of natural light on the surfaces convey a sense of intimacy and everyday elegance. The background features part of a framed artwork, suggesting the cultural ambiance in which the two women are situated.
