The Drawing Lesson (Berthe Morisot and her Daughter)

Berthe Morisot|Julie Manet

1889 · Drypoint on wove paper · Drawings and Prints

Morisot made only eight drypoints, among which this self-portrait is the most accomplished. She shows herself in the act of drawing her reflection while her daughter, Julie Manet, looks on over her shoulder. Over the course of her career, Morisot depicted Julie more than any other subject. Here, she reconciles her dual roles as mother and artist in one image. Her prints were never published in her lifetime. For the posthumous edition, Julie titled this work "The Drawing Lesson."

Artist

Berthe Morisot|Julie Manet

Date

1889

Medium

Drypoint on wove paper

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund and Jacob H. Schiff Bequest, 1922