Titled “Study, The Water’s Edge,” this artwork is an oil on canvas painting by Berthe Morisot from 1864. Demonstrating the distinct characteristics of Impressionism, the piece measures 60 x 73.4 cm and is categorized as a sketch and study. The artwork is currently held in a private collection. This genre and the period in which it was created suggest it was a formative piece for the artist, exploring the nuances of light, form, and natural scenery that are emblematic of the Impressionist movement.
The artwork showcases a figure, presumably a woman, reclining by the water’s edge. She is draped in a flowing dress that captures the light, suggesting a delicate interplay of shadows and highlights. The woman has her head propped on her hand in a contemplative or restful pose, her gaze directed away from the viewer and towards the water or the landscape beyond. The brushwork is loose and expressive, with the flora around and the reflection in the water rendered in brisk, diffused strokes. The natural environment envelops the scene, the trees rendered with a rich tapestry of greens and earthen tones that provide a vibrant backdrop for the figure. The tranquil atmosphere and the intimate scale of the figure within the landscape are indicative of Morisot’s thoughtful approach to capturing fleeting moments and the essence of serene, everyday life.
