Berthe Morisot, The Cradle (detail), 1872

Paris, Musée d'Orsay, RF 2849: https://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/artworks/le-berceau-1132

When the Impressionists first exhibited together in 1874, the very idea of an artistic movement with a close cast of participants was still relatively new. What was completely new was that any of these might be female. In 1874 that described Berthe Morisot alone. Soon, however, she would be joined by Mary Cassatt, and – for a brief time – by Marie Bracquemond.

Though all the female Impressionists came from comfortable backgrounds, and certainly didn’t have to starve in the proverbial garret, they were nonetheless subjected to a steady stream of abuse and belittlement by the press and conservative critics.

Understandable for the times, perhaps… and yet there really seems to have been a persistent need to “second-rate” their work. Even today, Monets fetch more than Morisots at auction. This is a travesty, as we hope you will appreciate when we celebrate the brilliance of the female Impressionists.

RJW F2503 Online (via Zoom)

A 5-hour short course, delivered via 2 x 2½-hour sessions on consecutive Wednesdays (Wednesday 15 & Wednesday 22 January, 2.00-4.30).

£40 (individual registration); £72 (for two people sharing one screen).