Roses 1894

Berthe Morisot’s Roses, painted with oil on canvas, is a study in the art of suggestion. The roses are not rendered with botanical precision; rather, they are evoked with loose brushstrokes. The beauty of this work lies in Morisot’s deft handling of the materials. Oil paint, with its capacity for layering and blending, allows her to create a sense of depth and luminosity. The quick, expressive strokes, capture the fleeting nature of the flowers, as if they are about to fade before our eyes. Consider the labor involved in the production of this artwork. From the cultivation of the flaxseed to make the oil, to the grinding of pigments and weaving of the canvas, each step reflects a complex web of social relations. Morisot elevates these humble materials to the realm of fine art, challenging traditional distinctions between craft and high art. By celebrating the inherent qualities of paint and canvas, she invites us to appreciate the artistry that lies in the making.