Mary Cassat
Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was a distinguished American artist and integral member of the Impressionist movement in France during the late 19th century. Born into an affluent family in Pennsylvania, Cassatt’s artistic ambition led her to study at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and later in Paris, defying societal norms of her time.
Cassatt is renowned for her insightful exploration of women’s social and private lives, often depicting the intimate bonds between mothers and children. Her distinct style merges the compositional influences of her European contemporaries with Japanese printmaking techniques, resulting in unique and compelling works of art.
In addition to her painting, Cassatt was a vocal advocate for women’s rights, using her platform to promote the cause. Notably, she also assisted in advising wealthy Americans on art collection, significantly contributing to the introduction of Impressionist art to the United States.
Although Cassatt spent most of her career in France, her works profoundly impacted American art, influencing future generations of artists. Despite failing eyesight in her later years, her passion for art never waned. Cassatt’s indelible mark on the art world persists, her legacy as a pioneering female artist and Impressionist continuing to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
