Morisot in Dulwich
This event has already finished
Apr
24
Mon
£10
Morisot in Dulwich
It's remarkable to think that Dulwich Picture Gallery is currently staging what is the first major exhibition in the UK dedicated to Berthe Morisot since 1950. Given that it is such a popular movement, guaranteed to bring in the crowds, and that she was one of its most consistent and innovative adherents - in many people's eyes the 'archetypal Impressionist' - why do we not see her work more often? By now, if you have come to my talks before, you will probably already know the answer to that question... If not, I will answer it during the talk!
The exhibition is curated in collaboration with the Musée Marmottan in Paris, which added the name 'Monet' to its own some years back in what I can only see as a cynical move to bring in more visitors. They do indeed have a substantial holding of the work of the most famous of Man Impressionists - but then, they have what is probably the best collection of Morisot's paintings too, and she was undoubtedly the leading Woman Impressionist. I use these terms deliberately, as one looks oddly unnatural, while the other, oddly, does not...
Recent research at the Marmottan has revealed Morisot's indebtedness to the art of the 18th Century, and the choice of paintings for this exhibition reflects the new discoveries: included in the display are works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Fragonard, for example.
As so often, the talk will be a virtual guided tour around the rooms of the Dulwich Picture Gallery, putting the works within the context of Morisot's life and career.
Please remember I do not record my talks.