At San Francisco's esteemed Legion of Honor, a captivating exhibition titled "Manet & Morisot" has just opened its doors. The show brings together two artistic giants from the Impressionist era, Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot, in a nuanced exploration of their complex relationship.
While some may view them as frenemies – like the rivalries so quintessentially American – Manet and Morisot were more akin to close collaborators, whose careers intertwined through a series of 42 works on loan from major museums across the United States and France. Their bond began in the late 1860s at Paris' iconic Louvre Museum, where they would often study and copy masterpieces.
Morisot's relationship with Manet proved pivotal, with his female subjects frequently taking center stage in his work. A standout piece is "The Balcony" (1868-1869), which showcases Morisot as the protagonist, lost in thought as she gazes off into the distance – a far cry from her fellow art enthusiasts who would rush to greet Manet's arrival.
Manet, too, was heavily influenced by his muse, whose ethereal presence is captured in "The Harbor at Lorient" (1869). This painting exemplifies Manet's unique blend of realism and fantasy, while also hinting at the dreamy, enigmatic style that would become a hallmark of Morisot's oeuvre.
Despite their artistic partnership, the boundaries between mentorship and friendship were always blurred. When Morisot gifted "The Harbor at Lorient" to Manet, it was met with her mother's disapproval – a testament to the strong bond that existed between these two artists.
Manet's untimely death in 1883 left Morisot heartbroken, but their artistic legacy continues to inspire and intrigue. As seen in "Manet & Morisot," this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend time and touch our souls.
Through March 1st, 2026, visitors at the Legion of Honor can experience the captivating partnership between two artistic visionaries – an unmissable opportunity not to be overlooked.
While some may view them as frenemies – like the rivalries so quintessentially American – Manet and Morisot were more akin to close collaborators, whose careers intertwined through a series of 42 works on loan from major museums across the United States and France. Their bond began in the late 1860s at Paris' iconic Louvre Museum, where they would often study and copy masterpieces.
Morisot's relationship with Manet proved pivotal, with his female subjects frequently taking center stage in his work. A standout piece is "The Balcony" (1868-1869), which showcases Morisot as the protagonist, lost in thought as she gazes off into the distance – a far cry from her fellow art enthusiasts who would rush to greet Manet's arrival.
Manet, too, was heavily influenced by his muse, whose ethereal presence is captured in "The Harbor at Lorient" (1869). This painting exemplifies Manet's unique blend of realism and fantasy, while also hinting at the dreamy, enigmatic style that would become a hallmark of Morisot's oeuvre.
Despite their artistic partnership, the boundaries between mentorship and friendship were always blurred. When Morisot gifted "The Harbor at Lorient" to Manet, it was met with her mother's disapproval – a testament to the strong bond that existed between these two artists.
Manet's untimely death in 1883 left Morisot heartbroken, but their artistic legacy continues to inspire and intrigue. As seen in "Manet & Morisot," this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend time and touch our souls.
Through March 1st, 2026, visitors at the Legion of Honor can experience the captivating partnership between two artistic visionaries – an unmissable opportunity not to be overlooked.
. I love how "The Balcony" showcases Morisot as the main subject – it's like we're getting a glimpse into her personality 
. And Manet's unique style is so mesmerizing! I'm definitely gonna check this out ASAP 
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I'm lovin' this new exhibit at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco 
. Impressionism is my jam! 
But, gotta wonder... how many people are actually gonna check out this show? 
Like, it's got some big-name museums lending pieces, but is that enough to draw the crowds? 
I'm thinkin' we'll see a solid turnout from art enthusiasts and locals, but what about tourists lookin' for something new? 
) will tell! 
i love how they were like, total collaborators but also had this super complex friendship thing goin on... morisot's work is so ethereal and dreamy, i can see why she was a big inspiration for manet's art style 
i wish they still did exhibits like this one tho, it feels like we lost touch with the past in our obsession with tiktok & all that noise 
anyway, gotta get to sf ASAP & check out this exhibit 
. Their art is like, so beautiful and dreamy, and it's crazy to think they were actually friends 
. The exhibit has some amazing works on display, including "The Balcony" & "The Harbor at Lorient" 
. If u love art, history or just want to see some amazing paintings, u gotta get ur tickets ASAP! 
As for their collaboration, I've got some stats on you: 42 works on loan from major museums across the US & France... that's a LOT of art sharing! 
According to Google Trends, interest in Impressionist art has been steadily increasing since 2018. Fast forward to 2025, we're seeing a resurgence of interest in Manet & Morisot! 
The average age of an Impressionist art enthusiast is 42... just like Morisot's birthday! 
I'm so stoked for this exhibition! It's like, totally fascinating to see these two art legends come together in one space 
But seriously, their collaboration is a huge part of what made them both amazing artists. I mean, can you imagine studying masterpieces with the person who inspires your own art? 
Mind blown! 
. And the way Édouard Manet captures her ethereal presence in "The Harbor at Lorient"... I'm getting chills just thinking about it 
. Their relationship was so complex, yet so beautiful... it's like they were two halves of the same artistic whole 
. And can we talk about how Morisot's mom didn't approve of her gift to Manet? Like, what even is that?! 
It just goes to show that their bond went way beyond just art... it was a deep and meaningful connection 
. Anyway, if you haven't already, get yourself to the Legion of Honor ASAP... this exhibition is a must-see! 
The way these two artists came together and pushed each other's boundaries is just fascinating. I love how Morisot's work got a lot of attention during Manet's visits, it's like she was the center of his universe! 
March 1st can't come soon enough for me!