The artwork titled “Ellen Mary Cassatt with a Large Bow in Her Hair” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt around 1908 – 1909. The portrait is an example of the Impressionist art movement and it is executed in oil on canvas. Measuring 41.28 by 32.7 cm, this artwork is currently held in a private collection. The Impressionist movement, to which Cassatt contributed significantly, is renowned for its delicate brushwork and a keen interest in capturing light and movement.
In the artwork, a young girl is depicted in a three-quarter view, looking slightly to the side. Her facial features are softly rendered, conveying a sense of youth and serenity. The large bow in her hair is striking, painted with broad brushstrokes that suggest its texture and shape without sharp definition. The girl’s white dress with hints of pink is portrayed with light touches of paint, demonstrating Cassatt’s skill in rendering the differing textures of fabric and hair. The background is subdued, with dark, nondescript brushstrokes that serve to highlight the figure. This intentional focus on the subject, along with the use of color and light, achieves a sense of intimacy and immediacy characteristic of Cassatt’s portraits.
