“The Rest, portrait of Berthe Morisot” is an oil-on-canvas painting created in 1870 by the renowned artist Edouard Manet in Paris, France. Exemplifying the Impressionist movement, the portrait, measuring 148 x 111 cm, depicts a serene and contemplative scene. It is currently housed at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD Museum) in Providence, RI, US, and is categorized within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork features a young woman, Berthe Morisot, reclining on a plush, dark sofa, with her elegant white dress contrasting sharply against the dim background. The woman’s relaxed pose, with one arm draped over the back of the sofa and the other resting gently on the seat, exudes a sense of tranquility and ease. The soft, flowing fabric of her dress is meticulously rendered, capturing the delicate folds and subtle shadows. Her pensive expression invites the viewer to ponder her thoughts, while the overall composition and use of light reflect Manet’s mastery in creating depth and intimacy in his portraiture. The background, though subdued, provides a rich context, framing the subject in an environment that enhances the overall calm and introspective mood of the painting.
