Hand-painted reproduction of the painting Julie Listening 1888 by Berthe Morisot

Handmade Reproduction of Julie Listening (1888) by Berthe Morisot

General Introduction

Berthe Morisot’s Julie Listening (1888) is an intimate Impressionist portrait capturing the quiet attentiveness of her daughter, Julie Manet. Known for her delicate brushwork and sensitivity to light, Morisot masterfully portrays Julie in a contemplative pose, emphasizing both innocence and introspection. This painting is a testament to Morisot’s ability to infuse her compositions with emotion while maintaining the soft, spontaneous style characteristic of Impressionism.

Historical Context

By 1888, Morisot had firmly established herself as one of the leading figures of the Impressionist movement. Unlike many of her male counterparts who focused on bustling city scenes, Morisot preferred domestic settings and moments of quiet reflection, often featuring women and children.

Julie Manet was a frequent subject in her mother’s work, as Morisot sought to capture the fleeting moments of childhood. At the time of this painting, Julie was around ten years old and had already been painted multiple times. Her close relationship with her mother played a significant role in shaping the intimate and tender quality of this portrait.

Technical Description

Morisot’s signature loose brushstrokes and soft color palette give Julie Listening a dreamlike quality. The painting primarily features pastel shades, with delicate contrasts between Julie’s pale skin and the darker tones of her clothing.

Julie’s facial expression is one of quiet concentration, as if she is immersed in a moment of deep thought or attentively listening to someone outside the frame. The background is softly blurred, keeping the viewer’s focus on Julie while also creating an airy, atmospheric effect.

The composition is simple yet effective, with Julie positioned slightly off-center, allowing the flow of light and color to guide the eye naturally through the piece. Morisot’s use of quick, feathery brushstrokes adds movement and life to the painting, making it feel almost like a captured moment rather than a posed portrait.

Interpretation

Julie Listening is more than just a portrait of a child; it is a mother’s affectionate depiction of her daughter’s quiet, introspective nature. Morisot’s paintings often carried a sense of immediacy, as if she were capturing a passing moment rather than a formal composition. This work reflects her deep understanding of the emotional and psychological depth of her subjects.

Julie Manet would later become an important figure in the art world, preserving and promoting the legacy of her mother and other Impressionists. This painting stands as a tender reminder of Morisot’s love for her daughter and her ability to transform everyday moments into timeless works of art.

POD provides professional framing services for your oil paintings Julie Listening 1888 on canvas by Berthe Morisot. You have the option to receive your artwork fully framed or stretched in gallery wrap and ready to display or rolled for convenient self-framing.

To ensure safe handling and shipping, we currently offer framing for canvases up to a specific size, depending on the format of the oil painting. For larger canvases, custom framing is available upon request only. Please contact our customer support team or indicate your preference in your order notes. We will provide you with a detailed catalog showcasing our premium framing styles and corresponding pricing.

Unframed canvas orders include an ample white border on all sides, allowing for effortless local framing. Your canvas will be carefully rolled and shipped in a protective tube.