The artwork titled “Nurse Reading to a Little Girl” is an enchanting pastel on paper created by the distinguished artist Mary Cassatt in 1895. It is an exemplar of the genre painting style and resonates with the thematic and stylistic elements of the Impressionist movement. Measuring approximately 73.66 by 60.33 cm, the artwork is a vivid portrayal of an intimate and tender moment shared between a caregiver and child.
The pastel drawing evokes a sense of warmth and serenity through its depiction of a nurse or a caregiver who is reading to a young girl. The child, dressed in a white gown with hues reflecting the ambient light, sits closely to the nurse, implying a bond of trust and affection. The nurse’s attire, in deeper tones, provides a visual contrast that enforces the focal point of the composition—the book and act of reading itself. Both figures are engrossed in the activity, with the nurse’s gaze directed at the book and the child’s attention captured by the story. Gentle strokes and a soft color palette render the scene with a characteristic Impressionist touch, harmonizing the figures with their verdant, barely defined outdoor surroundings. The artwork captures the essence of Cassatt’s talent for illustrating the simplicity and beauty of everyday life, particularly focusing on women and children.
