The artwork titled “Lydia Reading on a Divan” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt between the years 1880 and 1881. This piece is rendered in oil on canvas and is exemplary of Cassatt’s contributions to the Impressionist movement. Portraying a sitter engaged with literature, this work is categorized within the portrait genre. Currently held within a private collection, it reflects the aesthetic principles and sensibilities of Impressionist portraiture.
In the artwork, the figure of Lydia is depicted in a relaxed reclined pose on a divan, enveloped in a flowing pink garment which contrasts against the muted, earthy tones of the background. Her body is arranged diagonally across the canvas, pointing towards the viewer, while she gazes outward with a look of concentration or quiet contemplation. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, capturing the fleeting qualities of light and shade, which were so central to the Impressionist practice. The background is rendered abstractly with washes of color, giving a sense of depth and space without distracting from the subject herself. The treatment of the fabric of her dress is particularly notable, illustrating Cassatt’s skill in depicting the play of light on different textures while also adhering to the spontaneous technique of her contemporaries.
