The artwork titled “During Carnival,” created by artist Mary Cassatt in 1872, is an oil on canvas genre painting embodying the Realism art movement. As of my knowledge cutoff in April 2023, this piece is held in a private collection. The genre painting typically depicts scenes from everyday life, and in this instance, the theme is set around the time of Carnival.
The artwork presents an intimate scene featuring two women closely engaged in a private moment. The woman to the right appears to be seated and is depicted with her profile to the viewer, her features softened by the gentle rendering of light and shadow, suggesting a sense of repose or reflection. She is adorned with a necklace and a white blouse that reveals her shoulders, conveying a sense of relaxed elegance. The woman to the left is standing behind her, slightly leaning forward in a protective or affectionate manner, with her hand gently gripping the seated woman’s shoulder. Her attire, notably the yellow headdress, suggests a domestic or utilitarian role, further emphasizing the intimacy and trust between the two figures.
Both faces capture an emotional depth and complexity, engaging the viewer in a narrative that remains partially hidden, open to interpretation. The use of oil paint provides a richness of color and texture, with the dark background emphasizing the subjects and contributing to the personal and confidential tone of the scene. The realism of the artwork is evident through the careful attention to detail, the naturalistic portrayal of the figures, and the believable interaction between them. This contributes to the viewer’s sense of witnessing a real, lived moment captured on canvas.
