The artwork titled “Bust of Francoise Looking Down” is an intimate portrait executed by the artist Mary Cassatt, circa 1908. Employing the medium of pastel on paper, Cassatt, an American artist associated closely with the Impressionist movement, renders the delicate features of the subject with softness and subtlety. The dimensions of the artwork are relatively modest at 13 x 16 cm, and it falls under the genre of portraiture. Currently, this piece is held in a private collection, emphasizing its exclusivity and value to collectors.
The portrait captures a young girl, Francoise, in a contemplative moment, looking downward with a serene and introspective gaze. The texture and strokes of pastel reveal the artist’s adept handling of the medium, creating a play of color and light that is characteristic of the Impressionist approach to art. The warm ambiance of the background contrasts with the cool tones of Francoise’s skin, highlighting the subject’s visage and expression. Cassatt’s sensitivity to the nuances of facial expressions and the intimate portrayal of her subjects, particularly women and children, is evident in the artwork. The precise brushstrokes and muted color palette contribute to the overall tender and thoughtful atmosphere of the piece, allowing the viewer a glimpse into a fleeting, private moment.
