Have a Seat

Auguste Renoir, By the Seashore, 1883

Oil on canvas | MMA 29.100.125

Renoir likely painted this work in the comfort of his studio, where he posed his model gracefully in a wicker chair. To create the beach scene in the background, he drew inspiration from earlier studies of the picturesque Normandy coast. Stylistically, the painting reflects the deep influence of Renoir’s journey to Italy in 1881–82, which transformed his artistic outlook. During this time, he sought to blend the "grandeur and simplicity" of Renaissance art with the luminous qualities of Impressionism.

This period marked the development of Renoir’s innovative “dry” manner, evident in the sitter’s finely rendered features and the smooth, controlled application of paint on her face. In contrast, the background reveals a livelier technique, with brisk, energetic brushstrokes that recall the freer style of his earlier work.

Sitting down provides an opportunity for rest and recovery, allowing your body to relax and conserve energy. After physical activity or exertion, taking a moment to sit can aid in reducing fatigue and promoting recovery.

Gerard ter Borch the Younger, Margaretha van Haexbergen, 1666–67

Oil on canvas | MMA 1975.1.142

Gerard ter Borch, a captivating Dutch artist of the seventeenth century, is celebrated both in his own time and today for his exquisite portraits and refined genre scenes. These remarkable pendant portraits of Jan van Duren and his wife, Margaretha van Haexbergen, rank among the most important works by the artist in any American art collection.

Jan van Duren, a member of Deventer’s ruling class, radiates wealth and authority in his luxurious regent attire, while Margaretha is equally striking in her elegant dress. Ter Borch sets the scene with deliberate simplicity—a velvet-covered table and a fringed velvet chair—eschewing ornate detail. This restrained setting draws attention to the artist’s exceptional skill in portraying his subjects, capturing their dignity and grace with remarkable precision and sensitivity.

Sitting for extended periods can lead to musculoskeletal issues such as back pain, neck strain, and tight hips. Over time, prolonged sitting weakens the muscles that support the spine and contributes to poor posture, which can result in chronic pain and discomfort.

Berthe Morisot, Young Woman Knitting, c. 1883

Oil on canvas | MMA 67.187.89

Morisot fearlessly defies conventional artistic norms by deliberately simplifying facial features and omitting descriptive detail, offering a candid glimpse of a contemporary subject. This artistic minimalism functions like a bold fashion statement: the sitter wears the latest stylish attire while knitting in a typical period garden, complete with a gravel path and blooming roses. The presence of elegant chairs alone is enough to identify the setting as a backyard—a common feature of middle-class homes.

Morisot likely painted this striking work in Bougival, where she spent her summers between 1881 and 1884. It is possible that the model was her daughter’s nanny. In this piece, Morisot captures the spirit of modern life with a fresh, unorthodox perspective that challenges traditional artistic expectations.

For individuals with certain joint conditions or injuries, sitting can offer relief from weight-bearing on the affected joints. By taking the pressure off these areas, sitting can provide a temporary respite and reduce discomfort.

Vincent van Gogh, La Berceuse (Woman Rocking a Cradle), 1889

Oil on canvas | MMA 1996.435

Among the five renditions of Van Gogh's portrait of Augustine Roulin, the wife of his friend, the postmaster of Arles, the current canvas holds special significance as it was personally chosen by the sitter herself.  Van Gogh remarked that "she had a good eye and took the best." These portraits were initiated just before his breakdown in Arles, in December 1888, and subsequently completed in early 1889. He affectionately named  them "La Berceuse," signifying "lullaby" or "woman who rocks the cradle," evident through the rope gently held in the sitter's hand, symbolically connected to an unseen cradle.

Sitting can provide relief and improve blood flow to certain areas after standing or walking for long periods. For people with orthostatic intolerance or certain vascular conditions, sitting can help stabilize blood pressure and prevent dizziness or fainting. Extended sitting—especially without moving—slows blood flow, particularly in the lower body. This can lead to swollen ankles, varicose veins, and increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to blood pooling in the legs.

François Gérard, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Périgord, 1808

Oil on canvas | MMA 2012.348

After resigning as minister of foreign affairs in protest of Napoleon’s aggressive military ambitions, Talleyrand commissioned this portrait. A personal acquaintance of the sitter, Gérard skillfully captured Talleyrand’s relaxed demeanor while preserving an air of authority and inscrutability. His composed expression and elegant attire stand in contrast to the richly detailed gilt chair and desk, which Gérard uses to enliven the painting’s surface.

Gérard meticulously included insignias representing Talleyrand’s many honors, updated after the Congress of Vienna in 1815. During this pivotal moment in European history, Talleyrand played a key role in shaping the post-Napoleonic order, earning the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece. The portrait stands as a testament to both Talleyrand’s remarkable achievements and Gérard’s ability to convey character and historical significance with refined artistry.

Extended sitting can also affect mental well-being. It has been associated with  higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Lack of physical activity and reduced exposure to natural light can contribute to feelings of lethargy and emotional strain.

Camille Corot, The Letter, c. 1865

Oil on wood | MMA 29.160.33

The influence of the 18th-century French painter Chardin is evident in this  artwork, contributing significantly to its distinctive character.  However, it also showcases an awareness of 17th-century Dutch painting, particularly the styles of Vermeer and de Hooch. Corot might have encountered their works during a trip to Holland in 1854. This painting, most likely created during a period when Vermeer's art was experiencing renewed fascination, beautifully combines elements from different artistic traditions to form a captivating and harmonious composition.

In specific situations, sitting down can facilitate focused activities, such as reading, writing, or studying. By providing a stable and comfortable position, sitting can enhance concentration and improve productivity for certain tasks.

Marie Guillelmine Benoist, Jeanne Eglé Mourgue and Her Son, 1802 

Oil on canvas | MMA 53.61.4

This portrait was once mistakenly attributed to Jacques-Louis David but is now recognized as the work of his pupil, Marie Guillelmine Benoist. David, a prominent figure in French art, played a key role in mentoring several women artists, helping bring their talents into the public eye through the Salon. Before the French Revolution, women faced significant barriers to exhibiting their work there, but David’s influence helped increase their visibility.

The painting depicts Jeanne Eglé Fulcrande Catherine Mourgue—affectionately known as Égle—alongside her son. It is believed to have been exhibited at the Salon of 1802. In 1799, Égle married into the Desbassayns family, whose immense wealth came from sugar and coffee plantations on the island of La Réunion, about 450 miles off the coast of Madagascar. The family had profited from a large enslaved labor force, a system that endured on the island until France abolished slavery in 1848.

This portrait not only highlights Benoist’s artistic skill but also provides a window into the social and historical complexities of the sitter’s life and the era in which she lived.

Studies have linked prolonged sitting with an increased risk of various chronic  health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Sedentary behavior is associated with elevated blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and unhealthy cholesterol  levels.

Giovanni Battista Moroni, Bartolomeo Bonghi, c.1553

Oil on canvas | MMA 13.177

In this portrait, Bartolomeo Bonghi, a legal scholar, is shown wearing his professorial robes and a distinctive three-cornered hat. He holds a book on Roman civil law, a thoughtful gift dedicated to him by its author in 1553. Through the open window behind him, a prominent tower—an iconic landmark of the city of Bergamo—is visible.

The artist, Giovanni Battista Moroni, was widely admired in northern Italy for his exceptional ability to portray subjects "from life" or "from nature," a quality praised by the great Venetian master Titian. Moroni’s portraits are celebrated for their realism and psychological depth, making them valuable models for aspiring artists. The young Caravaggio is believed to have studied works like this early in his career, drawing inspiration from Moroni’s technical precision and lifelike detail.

To mitigate the adverse effects of sitting for long periods, it's crucial  to incorporate regular breaks for standing, stretching, and walking.  Engaging in physical activity throughout the day, such as regular  exercise or short bursts of movement, can help counteract the negative  consequences of prolonged sitting. Creating a balanced routine that  includes both sitting and physical activity is vital for maintaining  overall health and well-being.