The artwork entitled “Mother and Children,” created by Mary Cassatt in 1901, is a pastel on paper that is emblematic of the Impressionism movement. This genre painting, measuring 80.01 cm in height and 64.14 cm in width, resides in a private collection. The piece exemplifies the Impressionist focus on capturing the effects of light and presenting everyday scenes with a sense of immediacy and vitality.
The artwork portrays a tender scene of maternal affection with a woman closely embracing two young children. The mother’s gaze is directed towards the infant in her arms, who appears content and is sucking on its hand, while the older child leans against her, looking outward towards the viewer with an expression that conveys a blend of curiosity and tranquility. The brushwork is loose and fluid, conveying the movement and softness characteristic of Cassatt’s style, and the use of light and shadow highlights the figures’ interactions. The pastel tones are warm and harmonious, inviting the onlooker into this intimate moment.
