Inherited from the artist by Henri Guérard, Paris (1883)
Jeanne Gonzalès, inherited from above (1897)
Jean-Raimond Guérard, Paris (1924-1954)
Stephen Higgons, Paris
Kunsthalle Bremen, acquired from above (December 8,1960)
Girl Awakening is a portrait made by one of the four most famous Impressionists, Eva Gonzalès, in 1877/78. Being the only one official pupil of Eduoard Manet, Eva was heavily influenced by his teacher in her art style while simultaneously trying to make her own independent identity as an artist. The frame consists of the artist's close sister Jeanne Gonzalés who was often her model for her study and paintings. She shared a close bonding with her sister who supported her throughout her short lived career. Although she has never made a full portrait of herself but many portraits of her sister. The girl in this painting is captured just after being awake. Her eyes carried a dreamy and distant gaze with a subtle sleepy expression. The color pallette is soft with warm hues like beige, purple, blue, pink. The focus of Eva is on the black hair and delicate skin which contrast each other in a poetic sensibility. The backdrop is all-white which consists of the bed, the table, nightgown, sheets and curtains. This enhances the figure even more. Some researchers say, that Eva saw a reflection of herself in Jeanne due to same physical features and somewhat close appearance, that she represented her more beautifully than she could. Manet suggested her to paint the model nude but she decided to keep her character chaste keeping her subtly clothed, while giving it an intimate atmosphere from the way it is created. The eyes of the subject meet the observer in either contemplative or inviting manner. The artwork's impressionist brushstrokes provide a vibrancy and texture to the scene making it one of the most remarkable art pieces where women portray women in a way different from the ideal nude models of their era.
Gonzalès' Girl Awakening captures the quiet transition between childhood and adulthood through a deeply intimate and reflective moment. The young girl appears absorbed in her own thoughts, symbolizing emotional awakening, self-awareness, and the formation of identity. Soft light and delicate brushwork, characteristic of Impressionism, create an atmosphere of innocence, vulnerability, and calm introspection. Rather than portraying dramatic action, Gonzalès emphasizes the beauty of ordinary life and the inner world of women. The painting subtly challenges conventional depictions of women by presenting its subject as thoughtful and autonomous, celebrating personal growth, quiet strength, and the complexity of feminine experience.
