Women in Impressionism: Exploring the Lives and Works of Cassatt and Morisot

Explore the world of Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot in this interactive two-hour workshop led by a professional art historian. Cassatt and Morisot defied 19th-century norms, transforming scenes of daily life into powerful works that redefined Impressionism.

According to Mary Cassatt, Paris was the only city where a woman painter could be taken seriously and regarded as a professional rather than a mere dilettante. Cassatt, born and trained in the United States but a Parisian by adoption, was, alongside the French artist Berthe Morisot, one of the leading figures of the Impressionist movement.

First, we’ll explore the challenges women faced in accessing artistic training in the 19th century and how Cassatt and Morisot managed to gain entry into the art world. Next, we’ll delve into the "domestic" themes in their works, discussing how they transformed these subjects with depth and nuance and what was deemed acceptable or inappropriate for women artists at the time. Finally, beyond questions of gender, we’ll examine the distinctive styles of these two exceptional artists through an in-depth analysis of select key works.

This workshop is conducted in French, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced French speakers as well as native speakers. 

Join us to celebrate the legacy of two remarkable Impressionists and gain a fresh perspective on women’s impact in art!

Meet Caroline Levisse: Your Art History Instructor

Caroline studied art history in Paris and Copenhagen. After earning her PhD in 2013, she moved to London, where she teaches art history in various venues, including The Arts Society (UK). Her courses and lectures focus on European art from the 19th and 20th centuries, exploring themes such as color, women artists, and the Scandinavian region.