“Child In A Straw Hat” is an impressionist oil on canvas portrait by Mary Cassatt, dating from circa 1886. The dimensions of the artwork are 49.53 by 64.14 centimeters. Cassatt, a prominent artist within the Impressionism movement, has imbued this work with the characteristic qualities of the genre.
In the artwork, one observes the tender representation of a young child, whose gaze seems to be directed slightly away from the viewer. The child’s expression bears a hint of solemnity or introspection, which contrasts with the innocence typically associated with youth. Cassatt’s deft brushwork is evident in the soft rendering of the child’s features and the muted color palette that befits the simplicity and earnestness of childhood. The straw hat, which crowns the subject, is detailed with a ribbon that adds a subtle touch of pattern and color to the otherwise restrained compositional elements.
The gentle folds of the child’s dress are depicted with soft, loose strokes, characteristic of Impressionist painters, who sought to capture the essence of their subjects through color and light rather than meticulous detail. This less formal approach to portraiture aligns with the movement’s inclinations, moving away from the exactitudes of academic painting towards a more personal and evocative expression. The delicate interplay of light and shadow on the child’s face and clothing demonstrates Cassatt’s skillful technique and sensitivity to the nuances of her subject. Overall, the artwork is a poignant example of Impressionist portraiture that reflects Cassatt’s particular interest in the lives and experiences of women and children.
