Berthe Morisot and the Isle of Wight connection
In August 1875, Berthe Morisot and her husband Eugène Manet visited the Isle of Wight on her honeymoon. This weekend marks the beginning of Cowes week which has been held on the Isle of Wight in early August every year since 1826
Morisot painted her husband looking out through the open sitting-room window of Globe Cottage at West Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Painted from inside looking out, the picture encapsulates Morisot’s position as a new visitor to the island: hesitant to set up her easel in public, but alert to visual possibilities.
‘Shaping Impressionism’ co-curator Dr Lois Oliver captured travelled to the Isle of Wight earlier this year. Watch below to find out more about Berthe Morisot's trip and how it influenced her.
Image: Berthe Morisot, Eugène Manet on the Isle of Wight, 1875 © Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris