Edouard Manet (1832-1883) was a French Modernist. He painted the modern life of Paris and was of major significance in the transition from Realism to Impressionism. Manet was born into a wealthy, prominent family and became a painter at the encouragement of his uncle and to the distress of his father who envisioned a career in law.

Berthe Morisot pictured here was also a French painter. They became friends and colleagues in 1868. He painted her many times. It is said she was his muse, sharing her enthusiasm for the new plen air painting and impressionism techniques. She was completely committed to both, while Manet was not. He did move away from realism and experiment with light, as this piece demonstrates, but continued to also paint with detail and in his studio.

This portrait is thought his most highly ranked work. Using distinctive black throughout, even for Morisot’s eyes, which were actually green, he seems to include elements that would become forever known as Impressionism. He seems to use quick brushstrokes. He uses side light to divide her face and create shadow. He names a bouquet of violets we can hardly find. (Do you see them near her neckline?) His contrasting background seems filled with light and is devoid of traditional detail.

Manet moved through a transition in the world of art and brought us with him. He found a third way between the traditional rules of the past and the laissez-faire nature of his present. We are grateful and pray we may also find a way of beauty, of discernment and compromise through the changes we and the world now face.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church