Niçoise en costume local 1889

Berthe Morisot created this sketch, “Niçoise en costume local,” using pastel. Morisot, as one of the few female Impressionist painters, had to navigate the restrictive social norms of 19th-century French society. Here, Morisot depicts a young woman from Nice in traditional attire. The sketch captures a sense of cultural identity and regional pride at a time when France was consolidating its national image. The model's averted gaze and the sketch-like quality evoke intimacy and introspection. Rather than an exoticized or idealized depiction, Morisot offers a sensitive portrayal of the young woman. Her clothing suggests an adherence to tradition. At the same time, Morisot’s modern approach to depicting women breaks away from the traditional representations of women by male artists. Morisot uses her artistry to capture the transient, yet profound moments of everyday life. This image is as much about the artist's intimate experience as it is about the sitter's identity.