“The Flageolet,” painted by Berthe Morisot in 1890, is an oil on canvas artwork belonging to the Impressionist movement, specifically recognized as a genre painting. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection. The time of its creation was during a period when Impressionism was at its peak, showcasing a spontaneous and vivid depiction of everyday life with an emphasis on the effects of light and color.
The artwork portrays two individuals set against a lush, nature-filled background that embodies the Impressionist style’s characteristic loose brushwork and play of light. One figure, appearing to be a woman based on the attire and hairstyle, is attentively playing the flageolet, a woodwind instrument. Her clothing and the wide-brimmed hat she dons are rendered in vibrant strokes of blue and white, exuding a sense of casual elegance typical of the period.
Beside her is a second figure, whose muted clothing and direct gaze suggest an air of quiet concentration. This individual is depicted with a softer palette, and both figures are immersed in a tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding environment is a whirlwind of greens and floral tones, blurring the boundaries between the subjects and their setting, a hallmark technique of Impressionism that emphasizes the unity of the scene and the transient moment being captured. The entire composition evokes a serene moment in time, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty of simple, everyday experiences.
