The artwork titled “Lydia Cassatt in a Green Bonnet and a Coat” is a portrait painted by artist Mary Cassatt around 1880. Executed in oil, it is a prime example of the Impressionist art movement. The canvas measures approximately 60.96 x 50.8 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
This portrait exemplifies the Impressionist style with its loose brushwork and vivid portrayal of natural light. The subject, presumed to be Lydia Cassatt—the artist’s sister, is depicted with a soft gaze, looking slightly away from the viewer. She is wearing a dark coat, complemented by a green bonnet that casts subtle shadows onto her fair face. The background appears to be a natural setting, rendered in quick, expressive strokes. It suggests an outdoor environment without detracting from the sitter, who is the focal point of the piece.
The composition focuses on Lydia’s face and upper torso, with the textures of her clothing rendered in a dynamic, almost tactile manner. Her expression is pensive yet approachable, capturing the intimacy for which Cassatt was renowned. The artwork conveys the fleeting moment captured by the artist, typical of the Impressionist endeavor to record visual experiences as they are perceived, highlighting the transient effects of light and color.
