The artwork titled “Nude Baby on Mother’s Lap Resting Her arm on the Back of the Chair” is a creation by the distinguished artist Mary Cassatt, dating back to the year 1913. Executed in pastel, this piece exemplifies the Impressionism movement, a genre that celebrates the fleeting qualities of light and color through quick, gestural brushstrokes. Classified as a genre painting, reflecting scenes of everyday life, this work remains in a private collection.
The artwork depicts an intimate and tender scene between a mother and her child. The mother, cloaked in a soft, white garment with delicate embroidery, is seated, her arm nonchalantly draped over the back of the green-hued chair. She gazes directly out, her expression serene, introspective, and laden with a maternal depth. The baby, in a pure state of nudity, sits comfortably on her lap, embodying innocence and vulnerability. The child’s rounded cheeks are rosy, and its gaze is innocent, reflecting a baby’s typical curiosity about the world.
Cassatt’s mastery in conveying the softness of skin and the warmth of the bond between mother and child is evident through her use of the pastel medium. Her brushstrokes, imbued with the Impressionist touch, blend the colors gently, allowing the figures to emerge naturally from the surrounding environment. The choice of colors—soft pinks, whites, and greens—creates a harmonious composition that exudes a sense of calmness and familial love.
The artwork is not only an example of Cassatt’s fascination with the theme of motherhood but also a testament to the role of women in the Impressionist movement, which often favored domestic scenes and intimate moments over grand historical or mythological narratives.
