“The Cherry Tree (study)” is a watercolor artwork completed in 1891 by the artist Berthe Morisot, a notable figure in the Impressionism movement. This genre painting, which falls under the dimensions of 44 x 27 cm, is housed within a private collection. The work exemplifies the loose brushstrokes and light-filled ambiance characteristic of Impressionism.
The artwork captures a genteel scene of leisure and harmony with nature. It portrays a figure amidst the lush foliage of a cherry tree, engaged in the act of picking cherries. The lightness of the watercolor medium allows for a delicate interplay of color and light, giving the scene an ethereal and vibrant quality. The soft tones and fluid brushstrokes convey a sense of movement and immediacy, inviting the viewer to appreciate the transient beauty of the moment. The artist’s emphasis on natural light and the outdoor setting is emblematic of the Impressionist movement’s fascination with capturing the changing qualities of light and its effects on the environment.
Through the depiction of the figure in a natural landscape, engaged in a simple yet joyful task, Morisot conveys the Impressionist themes of leisure and the pleasure found in everyday life. The sense of intimacy and tranquil engagement with the subject matter is inherent to this art movement and is vividly captured in this evocative study.
