Reading

Morisot's sister Edma posed for this woman reading in a field. X-rays show that she originally looked toward the viewer; Morisot later redirected her eyes to the book. The white dress reflects outdoor light and shadow. The revision makes reading the figure's sustained activity within the landscape.

A dark hat shades Edma's face. X-rays revealed an earlier outward gaze beneath the eyes now directed toward the book.

An open book rests between her hands. After the eyes were revised, it became the clear focus of her attention.

The white dress spreads across the grass. Its folds register light and shadow, while its small floral pattern echoes the meadow plants.

An open yellow fan lies on the grass. Its color differs from the surrounding green, making the small object beside the sitter noticeable.

Softly painted foliage fills the background. Separate strokes convey the setting without describing every leaf with equal precision.

Berthe and Edma studied painting together and worked outdoors under Corot's guidance. Berthe exhibited at the Salon until 1873, then joined the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. This painting belongs to the year before that change.