The artwork entitled “Girl’s Head Green Background” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt using watercolor as the medium. Cassatt, who was a prominent figure in the Impressionism art movement, focused on the genre of portraiture for this piece. Presently, the artwork resides in a private collection.
In this delicate watercolor portrait, one observes the careful yet free brushwork indicative of the Impressionist style, which captures the essence of the subject rather than providing photographic realism. The artwork portrays a young girl in profile, gazing outward. Her facial features are rendered with soft washes of color and gentle lines, imparting a sense of innocence and contemplation. The background is composed of a mosaic of green, yellow, and hints of other colors, meshing into an indistinct harmony behind the figure. The green tones provide a calm, serene setting, allowing the viewer to focus on the girl’s countenance. This subtle use of color and light is typical of Impressionist paintings, which aim to represent momentary effects rather than detailed, static images. Cassatt’s skill in portraying the tender aspects of youth and her mastery of the watercolor medium are clearly demonstrated in this intimate portrait.