The artwork entitled “A Kiss for Baby Anne (no.2)” is the creation of artist Mary Cassatt, dating back to 1896 – 1897. It is executed in pastel, a medium that allows for delicate hues and textures, emphasizing the tactile and intimate nature of the subject. As a genre painting within the Impressionist movement, the artwork captures an everyday scene with loose, expressive brushwork characteristic of the style. Currently housed in the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) located in Baltimore, MD, USA, this piece stands as a testament to both Cassatt’s mastery of form and her sensitive portrayal of domestic life.
The artwork captures a tender moment between a mother and her child. A woman is shown in profile as she gently presses her lips to the forehead of a young child she cradles in her arms. The affection emanating from the mother’s embrace is palpable, with her eyes affectionately closed as she cherishes the closeness with her offspring. The child, possibly named Anne as suggested by the title, gazes directly outward, her innocent face reflecting a serene acceptance of the mother’s kiss.
Both figures are rendered with a softness that is indicative of Cassatt’s pastel work. The vibrant strokes of blue and white contribute to the supple fabric of the mother’s garment, while the warm golden tones of the child’s hair add liveliness to the composition. Amidst the interplay of colors, the artist employs light and shadow skillfully to highlight the curvature of the faces, fostering a sense of volume and roundness. The subtlety of the forms and the interplay between the subjects suggest an intimate, private moment caught and immortalized on paper. This piece not only demonstrates Cassatt’s ability to convey the close bond between mother and child but also reflects the broader themes of family and domesticity that are recurrent in her work.
