Study day: Berthe Morisot and the women of the Impressionist movement
This study day explores Berthe Morisot and the women of Impressionism, from Mary Cassatt to Anna Ancher, Harriet Backer, Elizabeth Forbes, Cecilia Beaux, and Jane Sutherland. We will examine their lives, styles, and successes, and ask why Impressionism offered women a space to thrive.
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This study day explores the life and work of Berthe Morisot and the broader community of women artists associated with Impressionism. We will first focus on Morisot’s life and career, from her social milieu, early training, and exhibitions to her key contributions to the Impressionist movement. Through the study of key works of art, we will consider her distinctive style, technique, and subject matters.
Alongside Morisot, we will examine the careers of Mary Cassatt and Marie Bracquemond, as well as artists working beyond the Parisian context, including the Anna Ancher and Harriet Backer in Scandinavia, Elizabeth Forbes in the UK, Cecilia Beaux the United States, and Jane Sutherland in Australia. The study day will not only recount the lives of these remarkable artists but will also explore the qualities that defined their work: their skills, innovative approaches, and the ways they negotiated professional recognition in a predominantly male art world.
As we study all these artists, we will discuss the so-called “femininity” of Impressionism. With its interest in flowers, the landscape, and genre scenes (such as scenes of domestic life), Impressionist painting engaged with subjects that had traditionally been acceptable for women to invest. Thus, Impressionism, its subjects and techniques, but also its social network and rebellious spirit, created opportunities for women to flourish.
What will we cover?
• The life and art of Berthe Morisot
• Many other women Impressionist painters, working in France and beyond in the 1870s, 1880s, 1890s and 1900s
• The reasons why the Impressionist movement appealed to many women artists, the conditions of these women’s success and the obstacles they faced
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
· Recount the main steps of Berthe Morisot’s career, define her place witing the Impressionist movement, and identify at least 5 key works of art she painted
· Name at least ten other women Impressionist painters
· Discuss whether Impressionist painting is gendered and whether there is something feminine in these women’s works
· Using your knowledge of the cultural and social context, explain and analyse why women were successful in this particular art movement, at that particular time
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Modern Painting: The 19th century from Goya to Gauguin
Caroline Levisse is an art historian. She trained in Paris and Copenhagen and completed a PhD in art history in 2013. She is now based in London where she has been teaching art history for ten years for a range of lifeling learning providers. Her field of expertise is 19th and 20th century Western Art, with focus on the Nordic region.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/study-day-berthe-morisot-and-the-women-of-the-impressionist-movement2928969Study day: Berthe Morisot and the women of the Impressionist movementhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-berthe-morisot-and-the-women-of-the-impressionist-movement-vb158.jpg6969GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Modern & contemporary art/Courses/International Women's Day at City Lit228511361177189520031228511771136<p>This study day explores Berthe Morisot and the women of Impressionism, from Mary Cassatt to Anna Ancher, Harriet Backer, Elizabeth Forbes, Cecilia Beaux, and Jane Sutherland. We will examine their lives, styles, and successes, and ask why Impressionism offered women a space to thrive.</p>002928906Study day: Berthe Morisot and the women of the Impressionist movement6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-berthe-morisot-and-the-women-of-the-impressionist-movement-vb158_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetNo longer availableOne-off onlyWeekend2026-06-07T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB1586969Study day: Berthe Morisot and the women of the Impressionist movement554569Caroline Levissestudy-day-berthe-morisot-and-the-women-of-the-impressionist-movement/vb158-2526<p>This study day explores Berthe Morisot and the women of Impressionism, from Mary Cassatt to Anna Ancher, Harriet Backer, Elizabeth Forbes, Cecilia Beaux, and Jane Sutherland. We will examine their lives, styles, and successes, and ask why Impressionism offered women a space to thrive.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-06-07 00:00:00<p>This study day explores the life and work of Berthe Morisot and the broader community of women artists associated with Impressionism. We will first focus on Morisot’s life and career, from her social milieu, early training, and exhibitions to her key contributions to the Impressionist movement. Through the study of key works of art, we will consider her distinctive style, technique, and subject matters.</p><p>Alongside Morisot, we will examine the careers of Mary Cassatt and Marie Bracquemond, as well as artists working beyond the Parisian context, including the Anna Ancher and Harriet Backer in Scandinavia, Elizabeth Forbes in the UK, Cecilia Beaux the United States, and Jane Sutherland in Australia. The study day will not only recount the lives of these remarkable artists but will also explore the qualities that defined their work: their skills, innovative approaches, and the ways they negotiated professional recognition in a predominantly male art world.</p><p>As we study all these artists, we will discuss the so-called “femininity” of Impressionism. With its interest in flowers, the landscape, and genre scenes (such as scenes of domestic life), Impressionist painting engaged with subjects that had traditionally been acceptable for women to invest. Thus, Impressionism, its subjects and techniques, but also its social network and rebellious spirit, created opportunities for women to flourish.</p><p>This study day explores Berthe Morisot and the women of Impressionism, from Mary Cassatt to Anna Ancher, Harriet Backer, Elizabeth Forbes, Cecilia Beaux, and Jane Sutherland. We will examine their lives, styles, and successes, and ask why Impressionism offered women a space to thrive.</p><p>• The life and art of Berthe Morisot</p><p>• Many other women Impressionist painters, working in France and beyond in the 1870s, 1880s, 1890s and 1900s</p><p>• The reasons why the Impressionist movement appealed to many women artists, the conditions of these women’s success and the obstacles they faced</p><p>· Recount the main steps of Berthe Morisot’s career, define her place witing the Impressionist movement, and identify at least 5 key works of art she painted</p><p>· Name at least ten other women Impressionist painters</p><p>· Discuss whether Impressionist painting is gendered and whether there is something feminine in these women’s works</p><p>· Using your knowledge of the cultural and social context, explain and analyse why women were successful in this particular art movement, at that particular time</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.</p><p>You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>Modern Painting: The 19th century from Goya to Gauguin</p><p>A history of modern art in 50 objects</p>Art historyModern & contemporary artvirtual556945VB158NONESun07/06/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetCaroline LevisseBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available2026-06-07T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities6969Study day: Berthe Morisot and the women of the Impressionist movementstudy-day-berthe-morisot-and-the-women-of-the-impressionist-movement/vb158-2526<p>This study day explores Berthe Morisot and the women of Impressionism, from Mary Cassatt to Anna Ancher, Harriet Backer, Elizabeth Forbes, Cecilia Beaux, and Jane Sutherland. We will examine their lives, styles, and successes, and ask why Impressionism offered women a space to thrive.</p>0015-FullStillOpen|2026-06-07 00:00:00<p>This study day explores the life and work of Berthe Morisot and the broader community of women artists associated with Impressionism. We will first focus on Morisot’s life and career, from her social milieu, early training, and exhibitions to her key contributions to the Impressionist movement. Through the study of key works of art, we will consider her distinctive style, technique, and subject matters.</p><p>Alongside Morisot, we will examine the careers of Mary Cassatt and Marie Bracquemond, as well as artists working beyond the Parisian context, including the Anna Ancher and Harriet Backer in Scandinavia, Elizabeth Forbes in the UK, Cecilia Beaux the United States, and Jane Sutherland in Australia. The study day will not only recount the lives of these remarkable artists but will also explore the qualities that defined their work: their skills, innovative approaches, and the ways they negotiated professional recognition in a predominantly male art world.</p><p>As we study all these artists, we will discuss the so-called “femininity” of Impressionism. With its interest in flowers, the landscape, and genre scenes (such as scenes of domestic life), Impressionist painting engaged with subjects that had traditionally been acceptable for women to invest. Thus, Impressionism, its subjects and techniques, but also its social network and rebellious spirit, created opportunities for women to flourish.</p><p>This study day explores Berthe Morisot and the women of Impressionism, from Mary Cassatt to Anna Ancher, Harriet Backer, Elizabeth Forbes, Cecilia Beaux, and Jane Sutherland. We will examine their lives, styles, and successes, and ask why Impressionism offered women a space to thrive.</p><p>• The life and art of Berthe Morisot</p><p>• Many other women Impressionist painters, working in France and beyond in the 1870s, 1880s, 1890s and 1900s</p><p>• The reasons why the Impressionist movement appealed to many women artists, the conditions of these women’s success and the obstacles they faced</p><p>· Recount the main steps of Berthe Morisot’s career, define her place witing the Impressionist movement, and identify at least 5 key works of art she painted</p><p>· Name at least ten other women Impressionist painters</p><p>· Discuss whether Impressionist painting is gendered and whether there is something feminine in these women’s works</p><p>· Using your knowledge of the cultural and social context, explain and analyse why women were successful in this particular art movement, at that particular time</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.</p><p>You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>Modern Painting: The 19th century from Goya to Gauguin</p><p>A history of modern art in 50 objects</p>Art historyModern & contemporary artconfigurable
18951136Modern & contemporary arthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/modern-contemporary-art1/2/285/1177/1136/18951/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Modern & contemporary art
