Women Impressionists: Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, Eva Gonzalès, Marie Bracquemond
June 21 - September 21, 2008

I'm looking forward to seeing this exhibit - I already have my tickets reserved for early next month! The Legion of Honor is my favorite art venue in San Francisco, and I became a Berthe Morisot fan after seeing her work at the Marmottan in Paris.

San Francisco Chronicle article

quote:

But this not only a greatest-hits parade. Cassatt, in a telling portrait of her pained but smiling mother, and Morisot, with a landscape that verges on abstraction, reveal different facets of their art. The Manet-trained Eva Gonzalès and theatrically inclined Marie Bracquemond, both undoubtedly new to many viewers, play subordinate but important roles in the show's smaller middle galleries.

Beyond merely pleasing a crowd, which it certainly will do, "Women Impressionists" invites a certain kind of inquiry in the viewer. Gender is the inevitable open-ended question. Did these female artists paint in a certain way because they were women? Were there things they did - or did not do - because they were women? Is there such a thing as a female Impressionist aesthetic? Or, for that matter, is there any discernible female style?

Oh, I would love to see this! Morisot and Cassatt are two of my favorites. Maybe gas will drop before Sept (HA) and I can get a cheap flight up there.
Beth

This was a marvelous exhibit. It was such a pleasure to see these artists' work together in one place; it provided an opportunity to compare their styles. I also appreciated learning more about their places in the Impressionist milieu.

Some of the pieces were so perfect (to me, anyway), I wanted to cry! I love it when I have an emotional response like that to art ...

I plan to go see this exhbit again!

Colleen

I second Collen's comments. I visited the exhibit with her yesterday, and was like a kid in a candy store with the riches offered. I was familiar with Morrisot and Cassatt, but not at all with the other two very talented ladies. It was wonderful to see many examples of the work of each of them, and to see their similarities and differences. The audio guide provided a wonderful enhancement, explaining the societal restrictions that constrained women artists of the late 19th century, and providing interesting information on each woman's background and story.

Like Colleen, I'm hoping I can return to see it again before it leaves.

Judy

I feel so fortunate to have been in San Francisco during the time of this exhibit. I can only echo TourMama and Colleen's thoughts. This is a lovely, lovely whole experience. The Legion of Honour Museum is in itself worthy of your time. It is a wonderful museum. I had never been there before and was taken aback by its architectural stature and the wealth of its collection of art. (Wonderful Rodin collection among other pieces). The Impressionist show was truly food for the soul! Not to be missed if you are fortunate enough to be in the area. Just perfect. Barb Cabot