The artwork “Woman and Child in a Garden” by Berthe Morisot was created in the period between 1883 and 1884. This piece is a fine example of the Impressionist movement, crafted using oil on canvas. The genre of the painting is considered genre painting. The canvas measures 73.4 x 60 cm and is part of the collection at the Scottish National Gallery located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
The artwork depicts a tranquil scene set in a lush garden. The foreground is dominated by a woman seated on a foldable chair, her body angled slightly to the right of the viewer as she is absorbed in the act of sewing. She is dressed in a period-appropriate, elegant blue dress that is detailed with various embellishments, and her head is adorned with a hat that protects her from the sun. To her right stands a young child, who appears to be in motion and engaged in playful exploration. The child’s white dress with a blue sash and matching hat echoes the woman’s attire, hinting at a possible maternal connection.
In the background, the soft outlines of foliage and garden elements blend harmoniously, created with quick, loose brushstrokes that give the impression of a fleeting moment captured spontaneously. The light appears to dapple through the leaves, adding a sense of dynamic natural light to the composition. The color palette is characterized by the juxtaposition of shadow and sunlight, with the blues and greens dominating the scene, encapsulating the quintessential Impressionist fascination with light and its ephemeral qualities. Overall, Morisot’s painting invites contemplation, capturing an intimate, serene moment in everyday life with an artistic sensibility that emphasizes the mood and atmosphere over detailed representation.
