In conjunction with teaching a series on the current exhibition Paris 1874: An Impressionist Moment during the last few weeks, I have been featuring blogs on several Impressionist masters. To close, I would like to highlight portraits of these artists, either self-portraits or created by their fellow Impressionists. They will be presented chronologically, beginning with a self portrait by Camille Pissarro (1830-1903), the oldest Impressionist at the age of 60.
Camille Pissarro, Self Portrait (Camille Pissarro, par lui-meme), c. 1890, etching (zinc), Rosenwald Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Then Edouard Manet (1832-1883), who although he never exhibited with the Impressionists, was both a supporter and practitioner of the movement. His friend Edgar Degas, drew this personal study of Manet in his mid-30s.
Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Seated, Holding His Hat, ca. 1868, graphite and black chalk, Rogers Fund, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Or this self portrait of Edgar Degas (1834-1917) revealing a seriousness and intensity well beyond his 21 years.
Edgar Degas, Self Portrait, ca. 1855-1856, oil on paper, laid down on canvas, Bequest of Stephen C. Clark, 1960, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Next, landscape specialist Alfred Sisley (1839-1899), captured in a reflective moment by Renoir, who was a a friend and colleague.
Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, 1876, oil on canvas, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Larned Coburn Memorial Collection, Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois
Renoir also depicts Impressionist icon Claude Monet relaxing from painting and reading a favorite book, done from the perspective of a long time friend.
Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, 1872, oil on canvas, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
While a 26 year old Renoir is the subject himself in an early portrait done by his friend Frederic Bazille (1841-1870), who would unfortunately be killed in the Franco-Prussian War.
Frederic Bazille, Portrait of Renoir, 1867, oil on canvas, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund, Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio
Finally, a stylish Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) poses for her mentor Edouard Manet, one of at least 12 of his interpretations of the aspiring artist.
Edouard Manet, Berthe Morisot, c. 1869-1873, oil on fabric, Bequest of Leonard C. Hanna, Jr., 1958, Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio
Self Portrait, Pissarro and Portrait of Claude Monet
In the public domain, courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
The National Gallery of Art does not endorse or approve use of the above image or any of the material on this website. Nor has the National Gallery of Art participated in any projects utilizing the said image.
Edouard Manet, Seated, Holding His Hat and Degas, Self Portrait
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art does not endorse or approve use of the above image or any of the material on this website. Nor has the Metropolitan Museum of Art participated in any projects utilizing the said image.
Alfred Sisley
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Portrait of Renoir and Portrait of Berthe Morisot
In the public domain, courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio. You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission.
The Cleveland Museum of Art does not endorse or approve use of the above image or any of the material on this website. Nor has the Cleveland Museum of Art participated in any projects utilizing the said image.
