Young Woman in a Blue Blouse 1891

Berthe Morisot created this painting, Young Woman in a Blue Blouse, using oil paints on canvas, with a loose, fluid approach that was characteristic of the Impressionist movement. The visible brushwork in the portrait is as crucial as the sitter herself. Each stroke, dab, and swirl of paint contributes to the overall effect. The oil paint allowed Morisot to blend and layer colors, creating a sense of depth and luminosity. The translucent quality is especially evident in the woman’s blouse, where the blue hues are layered, evoking a sense of light and airiness. The application of paint is almost gestural, capturing a fleeting moment. In doing so, Morisot pushed the boundaries of traditional portraiture, inviting viewers to appreciate the materiality of the painting itself.