With Violets by Elizabeth Robards

 Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) was described as one of “the three great ladies” of Impressionism alongside Marie Bracquemond and Mary Cassatt (I Always Loved You by Robin Oliveira).

“Paris in the 1860s: a magnificent time of expression, where brilliant young artists rebel against the stodginess of the past to freely explore new styles of creating – and bold new ways of living.”

1868: While studying the Italian painters at Louvre, Berthe Morisot meets Edouard Manet. It gives her so much hope at the age of 27, which is already considered long past marriageable age. Only to be crushed, when she finds out he is married.

When asked to pose for him, Berthe’s mother is appalled as she is not a common model. But Berthe finds it hard to resist Manet. When Manet and Degas make arrangements for a show independent of the Salon, she offers her help.

Then a war with Prussia forces many artists to pick up guns instead of paintbrushes. Some escape to London. Manet insists on Morisot family to leave Paris for safety. But they resist.

The war even further tests the relationship between Manet and Berthe. She finds consolation by corresponding with her friend Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, who has feelings for her, but for her it’s pure friendship.

The author beautifully paints a portrait of a complex and very talented woman who refuses to bend to the 19th century convention. The feelings, the pain of broken heart and frustration are very real; well-presented.

Berthe Morisot became one of the world’s greatest artists, but her paintings through which she achieved the fame did not come through in this story. Even though, this is the part I’m missing in this story, I still have enjoyed the storyline and the prose tremendously.

Release date: 21 October 2008