Though Berthe Morisot and her sister Edma were both exceptionally gifted painters, few opportunities existed for such women in the 19th century. The only recognized art school in Paris (L'Ecole des Beaux Arts) did not accept women and the Louvre contained no works by female artists. Even Berthe Morisot's fellow impressionists were slow to see the light.

"I agree with you that the Morisots are delightful," Edouard Manet wrote to fellow artist Henri Fantin-Latour after meeting them. "What a shame they aren't men. Nonetheless, they might, as women, serve the cause of painting by each marrying an Academician."

[After the third Impressionist exhibition a critic from Le Temps declared that "there is only one Impressionist... Berthe Morisot." Nonetheless, her death certificate noted that she had "no occupation."]