Woman at Her Toilette

Berthe Morisot (French) 1875/80 Berthe Morisot's "Woman at Her Toilette" aligns with the Impressionist aesthetic, seeking to capture the essence of modern life in subtle, understated terms. Reflecting a discreet exploration of female eroticism reminiscent of Degas, Manet, and Renoir, Morisot, an uncommon woman artist in this exploration, employs soft, feathery brushstrokes in nuanced shades. The composition, resembling a visual tone poem, incorporates perfumed motifs such as brushed blonde hair, satins, powder puffs, and flower petals. Morisot's signature along the bottom of the mirror suggests the ephemeral nature of the silvery reflection within the painting. Exhibited in the fifth Impressionist group show in 1880, "Woman at Her Toilette" received acclaim, showcasing Morisot's talent. As a close friend and frequent model for Manet, she married his younger brother Eugène a year before completing this artwork. Morisot's artistic realm extended beyond domestic interiors to encompass s