The artwork titled “Margot” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt in 1902. This portrait executed in pastel reflects the characteristics of the Impressionist movement of which Cassatt was a notable member. The piece measures 53.98 x 64.77 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork vividly illustrates a child, presumably named Margot, captured in a moment of stillness, possibly contemplation. The child is depicted seated against a contrasting backdrop that features a clearly defined, radiant halo of warm yellow tones, which possibly denote a chair back or decorative element. Margot is attired in a richly colored garment, a coat of red hues with accents of blue and white, which suggests a sense of warmth and comfort.
The facial expression of the subject is rendered with softness that is characteristic of pastel, capturing the innocence and youthful delicacy of Margot’s features. The child’s eyes gaze off to the side, lost in thought, adding a contemplative nature to the portrait. Cassatt’s use of pastels produces a textural depth and ephemeral quality that resonates with the spontaneity and lightness associated with the Impressionist movement. The choice of colors and the play of light and shadow all converge to create an intimate snapshot of a child in a domestic setting, which is a recurring theme in Cassatt’s oeuvre, reflecting her interest in the social and private lives of women and children.
