The artwork “Mother And Child,” created by Mary Cassatt in 1908, embodies the principles of Impressionism and is categorized as a genre painting. Executed in oil on canvas, it measures 90.17 cm by 116.84 cm and, as of the knowledge cutoff date, is held in a private collection. This work of art is a testament to Cassatt’s focus on domestic life and intimate scenes of family, depicting the tender and serene relationship between a mother and her child.
In the artwork, the composition centers on the affectionate interaction between the seated mother and her standing child. Both figures are rendered with loose, expressive brushstrokes, a hallmark of the Impressionist movement, which emphasized capturing the effects of light and color over fine detail. The mother, clad in a muted yellow dress, gazes down at her child with an expression of gentle attentiveness. Her posture is relaxed, and her hands are delicately placed on the child, suggesting a sense of nurturing and protection.
The child, depicted with a luminous, almost cherubic complexion, looks up at its mother, embodying innocence and unconditional love. Light seems to envelop the child, underscoring its purity and the emotional warmth of the scene. The surrounding environment is suggested rather than fully detailed, with a suggestion of interior space and a faint reflection in the mirror-like background, leaving the viewer focused on the intimate bond between the mother and child.
The soft pastel colors and the dynamic interplay between shadow and light further contribute to the overall tender and intimate atmosphere of the piece. The artist’s use of impasto—a technique where paint is laid on an area of the surface in very thick layers—provides a tactile quality that brings a sense of immediacy and vitality to the scene. Cassatt’s work is a poignant celebration of maternal love and the everyday moments of life, embodying the ideals of Impressionist art through its focus on momentary impressions and the effects of light.
