The artwork “Baby’s First Caress” was created in 1891 by the artist Mary Cassatt, a notable name in the Impressionist movement. This pastel on paper work measures approximately 60.96 cm by 76.2 cm and is categorized as a genre painting, depicting a scene from everyday life. Currently housed within a private collection, this piece exemplifies the characteristic impressionist style through its color, light, and composition.
“Baby’s First Caress” presents an intimate moment between a woman and an infant. The woman, who is presumably the child’s mother, gazes gently at the baby with a serene and contemplative expression. Her hand is delicately positioned near her face, reflecting a moment of fondness and reflection. The baby, lying on what appears to be a floral patterned surface, looks up at the woman with a sense of wonder and trust. The warmth of the scene is further highlighted by the soft pastel hues and the subtle play of light across the figures and the background, a technique often associated with Impressionist works.
Cassatt’s attention to the emotional connectivity between the characters, combined with her masterful use of pastels, creates a tender portrayal of maternal affection. The depiction of the child’s innocent touch upon the woman signifies the “first caress,” a symbolic representation of the bond shared between mother and child. The nuances of human relationships and particularly the role of women in society are recurrent themes in Cassatt’s oeuvre, marking her as a profoundly empathetic observer of the female experience.
