An affair of the art

Impressionism broke with the art establishment in subject and treatment. Previously, the prestigious French Salon favored paintings based on mythic themes or vainglorious propaganda. Bigger than life and lifelike in detail, but not usually everyday scenes, or sketchy suggestions. Impressionists broke that mold painting common scenes of people and events around them depicting real life in rapid-appearing brush strokes and bold colors, forsaking detail for expression.

Manet and Morisot were upper middle-class, where manners mattered. Despite the French revolutionary slogan “liberte, egalite, fraternite,” social class was everything in their society.

He, already established, was nine years older. Two of his works carried a whiff of scandal, depicting naked modern women in suggestive situations. In that era, female models were often prostitutes or working class women. Artists’ muses were associated with more than just posing.

How exquisitely daring it was then for Morisot at 27 — well into marriage age — delighting to pose for him, risking her reputation.

The second story is a movie cliché: Older established man at his peak taking on a younger female protégé. That archetype usually features a theme of each using the other for advantage, rather than affection. If that were so at the start of their relationship, it didn’t stay that way. Theirs was less an association of mutual exploitation than mutual exploration, a major point of this exhibition.

Morisot was learning and borrowing from Manet the master. As she developed confidence and friendships with other contemporary Impressionists, she broke free, and Manet can be seen borrowing themes and styles from his pupil.

Look at the progression of shared styles in the “Four Seasons” and note the dates. View the interplay of shared themes: women at their toilet, domesticity, children, and again follow the dates. She following him, then the reverse.

Sadly for both, neither sold well during their lifetimes. He lived off inheritance; she sold only 40 works, her prices held below contemporary male painters. Appreciation for the work of both grew posthumously, and for Morisot’s equality in the artistic journey only recently.

It’s always startling to see impressionist works you know from books live. Depictions of character, progressions toward abstraction, color and light. Too much here to detail all the wonderful examples, but two of my favorites were: “Little Girl with Blonde Hair” and “Self-Portrait” by Morisot, both painted after Manet’s death.

The hinted third story is what anecdote suggests: Their relationship was lustful and didn’t stay platonic. Manet, already married, pushed Morisot into marriage with his brother, keeping her close.

Watch as Manet’s portrayal of Morisot goes from sketchy to lovingly detailed within a couple of years of meeting her. In any painting Manet seems to give her more character than others.

Look at how he portrays her fully clothed in black in “Berthe Morisot with a Bouquet of Violets” or “Berthe Morisot Reclining.” See the naked longing in how he depicts her face and the reciprocity in her intimate knowing stare back at the painter. Desire is on display.

This exhibit, like their shared history, is a love story. Love of art and of each other.

Well worth your visit to the Legion for the historically significant and lush artwork itself and for a glimpse into the intimate lives of the famous pair. Do view the explanatory film.

Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park 100 34th Ave., San Francisco, famsf.org/exhibitions/manet-morisot, (415) 750-3600.

You Can Create Too: If you’re inspired to create, the Legion permits artists to sketch or paint in their galleries on a limited basis. Information for individuals about drop-in events is at famsf.org/events/sketching-in-the-galleries. Groups or other dates require permits.

Bart Charlow, author and consultant, has been sketching all his life and painting for over 45 years, had a professional photography business, and leads plein air painting groups. Come along as he shares his insights about the local art scene, and bring your sketchbook. His art and story are at: bartsart.weebly.com.