The artwork “Woman with a Fan (aka Head of a Girl)” was crafted by the Impressionist painter Berthe Morisot in 1876. This oil on canvas portrait exemplifies the Impressionist movement’s preoccupation with light, color, and the capture of fleeting moments. Morisot, known for her delicate brushwork and airy compositions, locates the artwork within a private collection. The genre of this particular piece is categorized as a portrait.
Upon examining the artwork, one observes the depiction of a young woman painted with confident, rapid brushstrokes that evoke a sense of spontaneity and the impression of a moment suspended in time. The subject is dressed in a dark garment, and a fan, partially unfolded, is held in her right hand. Her visage is turned slightly away from the viewer, suggesting a moment of introspection or distraction. The light in the painting accentuates the softness of her skin and the texture of her hair, which is styled up with floral adornments.
The background is rendered with minimal detail, a common characteristic of Morisot’s work, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain focused on the subject. The seeming casualness of the pose and the unguarded expression give the impression that we are glimpsing a private, unposed moment. This, along with the loose brushwork, is emblematic of the Impressionist movement’s desire to capture life as it is lived, rather than staging a formal sitting for a portrait. Morisot’s touch lends the artwork a warmth and immediacy that is distinctive of her contributions to the Impressionist oeuvre.
