The artwork entitled “Mother and Daughter Looking at the Baby,” created circa 1905 by Mary Cassatt, is a pastel on paper. This piece is affiliated with the Impressionism movement and is categorized under sketch and study genre. The artwork resides at the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States.
In this tender depiction, the artwork captures an intimate family scene with gentle emotion and a touch of domesticity, themes often revisited by Cassatt in her body of work. A mother, clothed in a soft-colored dress, inclines her head towards a baby, held in her arms, suggesting close observation or affection. Adjacent to these central figures is the outline of a young girl, the daughter, who gazes at the infant with a sense of curiosity or wonder, her posture and position indicating engagement with the newborn.
The artist’s use of pastels lends a warmth and softness to the piece, highlighted by the rich texture and the light, sketch-like strokes. The colors used are subtle yet vivid in areas, emphasizing certain aspects of the figures and their surroundings, thereby adding depth and dimension to their portrayal. The unfinished quality of the artwork, typical of a study, allows the viewer a glimpse into Cassatt’s artistic process, offering a sense of immediacy and spontaneity.
The impressionist characteristics are evident in the loose, fluid application of media, the play of light, and the snapshot-like composition, capturing a fleeting moment in everyday life. Cassatt’s focus on female subjects and her exploration of their roles within the private sphere resonate throughout the gently rendered forms and the nuanced interaction depicted in this artwork.
