The artwork titled “Young Woman Picking Oranges” is an exquisite oil on canvas painting by Berthe Morisot, dated to 1889. As a leading figure within the Impressionism movement, Morisot’s genre painting captures a candid moment of daily life that is typical of the movement’s focus on contemporary subject matter. The artwork remains in a private collection and showcases the artist’s unique style and thematic preference.
The painting depicts a young woman engaged in the simple, peaceful activity of picking oranges. She is seen from behind, reaching up to pluck the ripe fruits from an orange tree, her pose frozen in the midst of motion. The vibrancy of the oranges stands out against the muted greens and yellows of the foliage, bringing a warm, lively contrast to the scene. Morisot’s use of loose brushstrokes imbues the scene with a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The woman’s attire, consisting of a lightly colored blouse and a long skirt, reflects the fashion of the time and blends harmoniously with the natural setting.
The interplay of light and shadow in the artwork, hallmark features of the Impressionism movement, is evident as dappled sunlight filters through the leaves, creating patterns on the woman’s clothing and skin. This fleeting quality of light is beautifully captured by Morisot, exemplifying her contribution to the genre and the Impressionist emphasis on capturing the moment. Through her work, Morisot communicates both the tranquility of the woman’s solitary task and the dynamic beauty animated by natural light.
