Manet & Morisot Inspiration

 It's been so long since I've been to an Art museum. I always feel inspired when in one, perusing and looking at the paintings in detail. I realize it takes silence, concentration, intentionality to appreciate a painting in its fullness and give the painting (and the artist's) their fair due by paying attention to it. To really see and ponder even the painting's meaning, symbols, textures, colors and shades and lights and darks. 

I remember exploring the National Gallery of Art Museum in DC Summer of 2023 with my sister and her family. The paintings came to life for me, not only because I was seeing a lot of Monet and Van Gogh paintings (and I love Impressionism) but also because I learned and studied some of them in my Art History class in 2014 and really enjoyed it. I still remember those interesting stories, paintings, and painters that came alive for me from a great Professor. 

Sadly, that was the last time I was in an Art Museum, until yesterday. My parents and I saw the last weekend showing of Manet and Morisot at The Legion of Honor. (I hadn't been there since 2013!)

Legion of Honor Aug. 2013

I've been feeling a lack of inspiration lately or just not as consistently. Walking around and seeing various paintings as well as going to the exhibit of Manet and Morisot was so interesting and intriguing. The inspiration I have been missing was breathing all around me. I had heard and learned some about Manet but never Morisot (I didn't even know she was a woman or would later become an in-law to Manet!) 

The artwork was breath taking; the story and their story was like an invitation to inspiration with a dose of coffee and marble walls. 

I also didn't realize how popular and crowded it would be on the last weekend! It was challenging to not bump into people or block their view. I enjoyed reading the side description of the Manet and Morisot paintings. 

Morisot

Morisot

Morisot

Manet

Can you tell I liked Morisot paintings more than Manet? They feel more Impressionism and not so dark or bold colors...but over time his paintings changed over time and looked to be more of a resemblance of hers. 

They were friends, colleagues and then in-laws (she married his brother, Eugene.) The video clip about them in one of the rooms at the exhibit gave a good overview of their paintings and relationship as painters, friends, and even family. As the clerk who checked me out said, 'There seemed to be rivalry happening between them.'

The outside view of the Museum is gorgeous, and the sky pattern had a nice effect. 

Of course, there isn't really anything that helps you soak up the inspiration and the overall experience than eating at the cafe there for lunch. An au lait coffee was an added warm treat too.