Little Girls in the Garden 1885

Berthe Morisot likely made this oil on canvas painting, Little Girls in the Garden, en plein air. This technique, painting outside, was favored by the Impressionists. But how does the very materiality of paint, and its application, speak to larger social forces? The loose brushwork and visible strokes capture a fleeting moment, emphasizing spontaneity over meticulous detail. This approach mirrors the changing pace of modern life, and the rise of leisure activities. Morisot's focus on domestic scenes and the lives of women challenges traditional academic painting, which often prioritized historical or mythological subjects. The choice of ordinary subject matter, combined with the quick, fluid brushstrokes, democratizes the artistic process. It suggests that beauty can be found in the everyday, and that art can be accessible to all. This emphasis on the ephemeral and the personal reflects a shift away from the rigid hierarchies of the art world, and towards a more individualistic and subjective expression.