Berthe Morisot French (1841–1895)Reading (La Lecture)1888Oil on canvas
Impressionist in the late 19th century, sought to express the world in a subjective perception; rejecting art academies, and the idea of a fully rendered subject. Focus was placed on heavy brush strokes, and the experimentation with color. In Berthe Morisot’s “ La Lecture” the viewer notices heavy handed strokes, and contrast in color and light. The girl placed in the center of the frame, is rendered in glowing yellows, with reflected blues. Around the young girl is dark chaotic background drenched in blues and greens. With a closer look the viewer notices that the harsh surrounding is a simple room- seemingly harmless. The girl is unbothered by the shades of the room as she dives into the pages of her book. The hands holding the book, and the face so carefully examining it, is rendered patiently. This shows the contrast between the innocents of the young girl, and the world as the viewer knows it. Strokes of blue slash into her blouse, almost to shamefully express the inevitable; but there are hints of yellow within this dark room, showing that she also reflects her light.