Today’s helping came about through similar circumstances as the Michelangelo post. I went to the Musée Jacquemart-André to see the Paul Signac exhibition on post-Impressionism, and because post-Impressionism is one of my favourite art movements, I absolutely loved it. That being said, I wrote down the name of every single artist on display at that exhibition and looked them all up when I got home. And perhaps unsurprisingly, every single one of them was a straight, white, man. Sorry Musée Jacquemart-André, no Daily Hart for you. Even more dispiriting, a quick search of female Impressionists uncovered a virtual treasure trove of artists they could have showcased. Artists like Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Lilla Cabot Perry. Which is how I discovered the painting above. Trois femmes aux ombrelles, by Marie Bracquemond.
I absolutely love this painting. I love the colours, I love the structure of the brushstrokes. And I especially love the lighting and how Marie Bracquemond frames her subjects in both light and shadow. But most of all I love the expressions on the three women’s faces. It’s like they know something that we really should know as well, but they have no intention of telling us. There’s a sparkle in their eyes, especially the woman on the left, and I love it.
According to Google, this painting is on display at the Musée D’Orsay, so I will definitely be swinging by for a visit sooner rather than later. At least not all museums have forgotten the contributions of female artists throughout history.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
