There once was a time when women were silenced when they chose to express themselves.
There once was a time when women had to fight for their rights.
There once was a time when women had to pass the patriarchal society to create ART.
Amid all the struggles, the credits in the art world are still given primarily to men.
One of the female painters who stood strong and even had a massive impact on the art world was Mary Cassatt.
An American printmaker and an amazing painter who created some best-selling paintings and expressed emotions.
In this blog, we will discuss Mary and her life around art, how she overcame her hardships, etc.
Not only that, we will also decode the influence of Edgar Degas on her art.
So, the woman who impacted the art world with her bold brush strokes, let us talk about her in depth.
About Mary Cassatt
When we talk about Mary Cassatt, we can’t go past the fact that she was a rebel.
When the art world was dominated by men, she stood strong and kept creating art.
She was known for her heartfelt depictions of women and children that focused on creating an impact.
Mary Cassatt was born on 22nd May 1844, in Allegheny, in a well-to-do family.
She focused on the special bond between mothers and their children, along with everyday moments.
Not only this, she played a pivotal role in the Impressionist movement in art.
Mary also inspired other women around the world to pursue their hearts and do as they wish.
She was one of the few American artists who were active in the nineteenth-century French avant-garde.
Her Early Life
Even though Mary was born in Pennsylvania, she spent most of her late years in France.
From a very young age, Mary loved to draw and paint; she also took lessons for the same.
She belonged to a well-to-do family who respected and valued art; hence, when they moved to Philadelphia, she got into an art school.
She studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts there.
The fact that she faced a lot of challenges in the male-dominated art stream still stands strong.
After completing her studies and gaining some hands-on experience, she moved to Paris.
There she met fellow painters like Edgar Degas, who had an immaculate influence on her art style.
In Paris, she focused on her painting style and the lives of children and women.
Who Influenced Mary Cassatt?
Now that we have discussed the early life of Mary Cassatt, let us discuss who influenced her.
She was influenced by many important people in her art journey.
When she moved to Paris, France, she met some prominent figures in the art world, like Edgar Degas and Edouard Manet.
It was Degas who influenced and inspired Cassatt to try her hands on new styles and subjects.
Her inspiration was not only limited to the famous artists but her mother was her biggest inspiration.
Mary featured her mother in many of her artworks.
To understand the concept of light, color, and beauty in everyday life, she looked upon artists like Manet and Chardin.
Also Read: Famous Impressionist Paintings
Mary Cassatt’s Painting Style
Mary Cassatt’s painting style is known for its soft colors, gentle brush strokes, and warmth of everyday life stills.
She was often seen using light to create warm and intimate scenes of women and children.
She focused on everyday moments that captured feelings and connections.
If we take a closer look at her work, it can be seen that her paintings are a blend of Impressionism and her perspective on life and family.
Three Famous Paintings by Mary
Now that we have talked about Mary’s painting style, let us take a look at three of the famous paintings by Mary:
1. Little Girl in a Blue Armchair
“Little Girl in a Blue Armchair” is an oil painting by Mary Cassatt located in the Musée d’Orsay.
This painting shows a young girl relaxed in a bright blue chair.
In this painting, Cassatt expresses the innocence and playfulness of a young girl and emphasizes childhood comfort.
2. The Boating Party
“The Boating Party” is an oil painting that is located in the National Gallery of Art.
This painting features a woman and a child enjoying a boat ride with a man.
In this painting, Mary has beautifully captured their joyful moment that revolves around the bond of a family.
3. Woman with a Sunflower
“Woman with a Sunflower” is an oil painting that is located in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.
It depicts a woman holding a bright sunflower that radiates women’s empowerment.
This painting is also referred to as a bold statement piece by Mary Cassatt.
How Has Her Art Impacted the Art World?
Mary Cassatt’s art has had a significant impact on the art world, especially for women.
She changed the art world by showing the real lives of women and children.
As an American artist in France, she had a creative take on Impressionism.
Mary was often seen painting mothers and children, which were a rare subject during that time.
Her use of light, colors, and brush strokes influenced the upcoming generation of modern painters as well.
While she focused on traditional subjects and warm colors, she also emphasized bringing out the natural essence of the subjects.
Conclusion
This was a descriptive guide to the life of American artist Mary Cassatt.
Late in her life, Mary stopped painting due to health issues, including problems with her eyesight.
As her vision worsened, it became difficult for her to create art.
Despite this, she remained influential in the art world.
Even though she was devastated by the fact that she was unable to create art, she kept promoting other artists and sharing her knowledge.
Her life was filled with challenges yet she established herself as a leading figure in the art world.
So folks, if you are looking for a sign to do something meaningful and mindful in life, here it is!
Make sure to leave your feedback in the comments and also share your thoughts.
Till then,
See Ya!
