The artwork “Maternal Kiss” is a pastel on paper created by Mary Cassatt in 1896. It is a quintessential example of the genre painting tradition within the Impressionist movement. The piece, which measures 46.35 x 55.88 cm, is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located in Philadelphia, PA, US. The artwork serves as a testament to Cassatt’s ability to capture the intimate moments of domestic life and the tender relationship between mother and child.
In “Maternal Kiss,” Mary Cassatt portrays an affectionate moment between a mother and her young child. The figures are centrally composed with the mother embracing the child who appears directly facing the viewer. The mother’s face is pressed against the child’s cheek, suggesting a gentle kiss, while the child, caught in a candid moment, looks out with a slightly startled or contemplative expression. The choice of pastels allows for soft, yet vibrant coloration—a hallmark of Cassatt’s work—accentuating the emotional warmth of the scene. The technique results in a fusion of colors, with the mother’s yellow dress and the child’s white garment standing out against the sketchy, abstracted background. The artist’s skilled use of light and shadow imbues the artwork with a palpable sense of realism and tenderness.
