The article reviews the exhibition "Manet & Morisot" at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, which pairs works by Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot to explore their artistic dialogue. It highlights how, contrary to the common assumption that Morisot was influenced by Manet, the show argues that Manet increasingly adopted Morisot's lighter palette, looser brushwork, and intimate subject matter in his later years, especially as his health declined. Key pairings include Manet's "Before the Mirror" (1877) and Morisot's "Woman at her Toilette" (around 1875-80), as well as their respective series of seasonal allegories, shown together for the first time.
The exhibition matters because it challenges traditional art historical narratives that position Morisot as a mere follower of Manet, instead presenting her as a significant influence on his late style. By foregrounding Morisot's role and showing how Manet's work converged with hers, the show rebalances the gender dynamics of Impressionism and offers a fresh perspective on both artists' careers. The review also notes the curatorial challenges of pairing works without overshadowing Morisot's more subtle, intimate paintings, making the exhibition a notable contribution to ongoing reassessments of women artists in the canon.