The artwork, titled “Arrangement in Black, No. 8: Portrait of Mrs. Cassatt,” was created by James McNeill Whistler between the years 1883 and 1885. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece is part of the Realism art movement and depicts a portrait. The painting measures 191.1 by 90.8 centimeters.
In the artwork, the central subject, Mrs. Cassatt, is portrayed against a dark, subdued backdrop. She is attired in a long black dress and a black hat, evoking a sense of solemn elegance. Mrs. Cassatt is depicted holding a small bunch of flowers, which provides a subtle contrast in the composition. Her facial expression and the overall atmosphere of the painting convey a sense of calm and stillness, characteristic of Whistler’s portrait style. The lighting focuses on her face and hands, drawing the viewer’s attention to these areas amidst the surrounding darkness.
