The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., is currently celebrating the life and work of Mary Cassatt, the pioneering American Impressionist, with a new exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of her death. Running from to , “Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris” brings together approximately 40 works – paintings, sketches, and block prints – offering a comprehensive look at an artist who defied expectations and captured a unique perspective on the world around her.
Born in Pennsylvania on , and passing away on , Cassatt’s journey as an artist began with studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Like many ambitious American artists of her era, including John Singer Sargent, she sought further training and inspiration in Europe, ultimately establishing herself as a professional artist abroad.
Cassatt’s time in Paris proved pivotal. She not only continued her artistic education but also successfully exhibited and sold her work. A crucial turning point came with her connection to the Impressionist movement and, in particular, her close bond with Edgar Degas. Degas’s influence on Cassatt’s life and art was significant, shaping her artistic vision and providing a supportive creative partnership.
The exhibition highlights Cassatt’s position as one of the few prominent female Impressionists. Her art is notable for its insightful portrayal of women and their daily lives, moving beyond traditional representations to offer a nuanced and intimate perspective. A recurring theme in her work is the powerful bond between mothers and children, beautifully exemplified in paintings like “Woman with a Sunflower.” The artist’s attention to detail and composition imbues the scene with a playful quality, as the little girl depicted appears to be directly engaging with the viewer through a mirror.
However, Cassatt’s artistic scope extended beyond domestic scenes. She also depicted the lives of the wealthy, capturing their enjoyment of high society. “The Loge,” for instance, presents a pair of elegantly dressed young women seated at the theater, adorned with flowers and an ornate fan. They are presented not merely as spectators, but as integral parts of the spectacle itself.
The exhibition doesn’t solely focus on the finished works. It also acknowledges the quieter moments of life, portraying solitary women engaged in everyday activities like bathing or writing letters. These scenes, while seemingly routine, offer a valuable glimpse into the domestic sphere and the social connections that shaped women’s lives during that period.
Beyond the artwork itself, the National Gallery of Art’s library has curated a collection of archival materials related to Cassatt’s life. This includes photographs, exhibition catalogs, and personal correspondence, providing a deeper understanding of the artist’s experiences and influences. This supplementary material allows visitors to contextualize her art within the broader framework of her life and times.
The exhibition arrives at a moment of continued reevaluation of women artists and their contributions to art history. Cassatt’s story, one of perseverance, artistic innovation, and a commitment to portraying the world as she saw it, resonates powerfully today. Her ability to capture both the intimacy of domestic life and the grandeur of social occasions speaks to a remarkable range and sensitivity.
“Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris” isn’t just a retrospective; it’s a celebration of an artist who challenged conventions and left an indelible mark on the Impressionist movement. For those visiting Washington, D.C., between and , the exhibition promises a compelling and insightful experience.
Further information can be found at www.nga.gov.
