Self-Portrait 1885

Berthe Morisot created this oil on canvas self-portrait, now at the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. The initial impression is of a study in contrasts: energetic brushstrokes, loose and visible, meet a poised, direct gaze. The colour palette is restrained, dominated by earthy browns and creams, yet punctuated by touches of blue and red. This juxtaposition between the raw application of paint and the artist's composed expression creates a compelling tension. Morisot's technique challenges traditional notions of portraiture. Her visible brushwork is almost a semiotic act, drawing attention to the materiality of the paint itself. Rather than aiming for a seamless illusion, she exposes the process of creation, inviting viewers to consider painting as a constructed representation. This emphasis on the medium aligns with broader Impressionist concerns about capturing fleeting moments and subjective perceptions. Note how the unfinished background pushes the figure forward, underscoring the artist's presence and the act of self-representation. By leaving the background unresolved, Morisot destabilizes fixed meanings, reminding us that identity is not static but always in process.