The artwork “Young Woman in a Rowboat, Eventail” is a creation by the artist Berthe Morisot, dated from the year 1891. The medium utilized for this artistic expression is watercolor. Belonging to the Impressionism movement, which emphasizes the artist’s perception and depiction of light and its changing qualities, this piece can be categorized as a genre painting. This particular artwork is housed in a private collection and represents Morisot’s skills and vision within the context of the broader movement.
The artwork presents a seemingly serene and candid scene with a primary focus on a young woman situated in a rowboat. The young woman is captured from an angle that provides a profile view, her gaze directed outside of the frame, which suggests contemplation or distraction. She is adorned with a hat, and her attire and posture evoke a sense of casual elegance, which aligns with the themes commonly portrayed by Morisot.
In the fluid and quick strokes characteristic of Impressionist technique, there is an interplay of light and shadow with an ethereal quality, capturing the fleeting moment with a sense of immediacy. The water around the boat is rendered with loose, expressive brushwork, creating reflections and ripples that lend dynamism to the otherwise tranquil subject. The background is minimally detailed, allowing the viewer’s attention to stay on the central figure and the immediate surroundings within the boat.
Another element to notice is the presence of foliage to the left, rendered in vibrant greens, which contrasts with the otherwise muted palette of the artwork. This contrast emphasizes the light’s play on different textures and forms. The overall impression is one of tranquility and simplicity, echoing Impressionism’s fascination with everyday life and its moments of unposed beauty.
Adding a distinct personal signature, the bottom left corner bears the inscription “Berthe Morisot,” solidifying the authenticity and creatorship of the work.
