Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was an American painter and printmaker who played a pivotal role in the Impressionist movement, despite being a woman in a mostly male-dominated field.

Born in 1844, in Allegheny City (now part of Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania, Cassatt spent most of her adult life in France, where she developed her artistic career.

Cassatt's early artistic education included studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and further training in Paris under Jean-Léon Gérôme, Charles Chaplin, and Thomas Couture. Her exposure to the works of Edgar Degas and other Impressionists profoundly influenced her style. Cassatt's work is characterised by its focus on the intimate moments of women's lives, particularly the bond between mothers and children.

One of her most famous works, 'The Child's Bath' (1893), exemplifies her ability to capture the tenderness and everyday life of her subjects.

Cassatt's paintings often depict women engaged in domestic tasks, highlighting the beauty and dignity in these moments.  Her use of colour and light, influenced by her Impressionist contemporaries, adds a sense of warmth and immediacy to her work.

Cassatt was also a strong advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Her art not only reflected her feminist views but also helped to challenge the traditional gender roles by portraying women as active, independent individuals.

In addition to her painting, Cassatt was an accomplished printmaker, producing a series of etchings and aquatints that further showcased her technical skill and artistic vision.  Her contributions to the art world were well-recognised during her lifetime, and she continued to work until her death in June 1926 in Château de Beaufresne, near Paris.

Mary Cassatt's legacy endures through her evocative depictions of women and children, her role in the Impressionist movement, and her advocacy for women's rights. Her work remains a testament to her talent and her commitment to portraying the world from a uniquely feminine perspective.

The painting shown above is of Mary Cassatt and was painted by Edgar Degas.