How a Curious Girl Became a World-Class Painter—New Children’s Book About Berthe Morisot

Talented Women

It feels appropriate that an exploration of the leading female Impressionist painter Berthe Morisot is written and illustrated by two women. Natalia Iacobelli is a US-based author and translator with a passion for uncovering the overlooked stories of women in art. She works with museums and galleries across Europe. In this picture book, the narrative follows artist Berthe Morisot from her childhood fascination with art and light through the challenges she faced as a woman pursuing a professional career in 19th-century France.

Gorgeous Art

Illustrator Rosanna Tasker is a UK-based artist who works on projects across the globe. She has a particular passion for the magic of the natural world. Using a stylized, limited color palette of gouache paints, Rosanna paints delicate, intricate forms, adding in pencil and pastel lines for detail. A playfulness is evident throughout the book. For instance, she experiments with scale, showing a thoughtful Morisot dwarfed by (and fully immersed within) the giant, fragrant roses of her mother’s flower garden. Or she superimposes the shadow of Morisot’s elegant figure onto a canvas hung on the dark, intimidating walls of a gallery.

Painting the Light

The author takes great care to highlight Berthe Morisot’s determination, creativity, and refusal to accept the limitations placed on her by society. Natalia Iacobelli balances historical context with an inspiring message about the importance of following your passion. Of course, Berthe Morisot came from a privileged upper-class background, with parents who moved in artistic circles. Sadly, there were perhaps so many more talented young women we never got to hear about. All the more reason to celebrate as many female artists as we can find!

Young Minds

In an utterly random and unscientific bit of research, I asked younger family members what they thought of this book. Most were shocked to learn that Berthe Morisot had been told that respectable women could not become professional artists! And also angry that although she was one of the most important Impressionist painters, her name was nowhere near as well known as her male contemporaries like Monet, Degas, and Renoir. They were happy to see a selection of her paintings at the end of the book, but would have liked to see more of them. An opportunity to do some internet searching!

Inspirational

This is a beautiful introduction to Berthe Morisot, and will hopefully inspire young readers to seek out her work and even pursue their own talents. A big shout-out also to the mainly female editorial team at Reycraft Books, who choose to champion under-represented voices and bring on rising authors and illustrators. Reycraft seeks to inspire children, parents, and educators to develop a love of books (and art) that can last a lifetime. Entertaining as well as enlightening, their books are inclusive, with authentic and diverse settings and characters. Their wider catalogue is well worth a browse.

Books and Art for All

Introducing young people to real-life creative role models and to art for pleasure is so needed in these AI-dominated times. Fascinating books about art and artists are out there, catering to all ages. From toddler board books about Artemisia Gentileschi to famous artist coloring books to graphic novels about Basquiat and Vincent van Gogh. Get out to the bookshops and galleries and see what might whet the appetite of your younger family members!

P.S. If you are a fan of women artists, be sure to check out our sets of Women Artists Postcards, featuring some of the amazing works by Berthe Morisot, Artemisia Gentileschi, and many others!