The artwork, “Child In Orange Dress,” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt in 1902. This pastel on paper artwork is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, a genre noted for its vibrant use of color and light to capture fleeting moments. Measuring 60 x 72.77 cm, the piece belongs to the portrait genre and as of the latest information, it resides in a private collection.
In describing the artwork, one is immediately drawn to the vivacious orange hue of the dress worn by the child, which stands out with remarkable luminosity against a more subdued background. The child is depicted with a gaze that seems to express a moment of contemplation or introspection, which is a characteristic feature of Cassatt’s ability to capture the innocence and inner world of children. The soft texture of the pastel medium lends itself to the delicate rendering of the child’s features and the intricate details, such as the translucency of the fabric in the hat adorned with flowers. The impressionistic handling of light and shadow on the figure and clothing imbues the portrait with a sense of depth and realism, while still maintaining the distinctive brush strokes and color blending that mark the movement’s style.
