The artwork titled “Marie Therese Gaillard” was created in 1894 by the artist Mary Cassatt. Made using pastel, a medium known for its vibrant color and textural qualities, the piece is part of the Impressionism movement, renowned for its portrayal of light and its breaking away from the traditional approach of fine detailing. Cassatt’s work is categorized within the portrait genre and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a young girl viewed in profile. Her gaze appears contemplatively off to the side, not engaging the viewer, which imparts a sense of introspection. The use of pastels affords the portrait a soft, almost ethereal quality, with gentle strokes capturing the delicate features of the girl’s face. She is adorned in attire characteristic of the late 19th century, with a detailed bonnet and a formal dark dress that is accentuated with a light, lace collar, giving contrast to the composition.
Cassatt’s expertise in portraying the texture and subtlety of fabric and skin is evident here, as the harmony between the sitter’s complexion, her clothing, and the background shows. There is a palpable intimacy and immediacy present in the portrait, a hallmark of Cassatt’s work. This immediacy, along with the expert use of color gradients and composition that allows the background to complement but not overpower the subject, serves as a testament to Cassatt’s affiliation with and contribution to the Impressionist movement.
