The artwork “Peasant Woman Peeling an Orange” by Mary Cassatt, created around 1875, stands as a testament to the Realism movement. Painted with oil on canvas, it measures approximately 55.88 by 45.72 centimeters. This portrait genre piece finds its home in a private collection, hidden away from the public eye, yet it communicates the humble essence of daily life from a bygone era.
The artwork depicts a young woman engaging in the simple task of peeling an orange. Her direct gaze invites a connection with the viewer, suggesting a narrative beyond the modest action depicted. The artist has employed a dark background to contrast against the subject, accentuating the woman’s complexion and the vibrant colors of her attire. Her intricately patterned blouse, adorned with what seems like floral or paisley-like motifs, introduces a touch of liveliness to the composition. The orange peel in her hand adds a burst of complementary color, bringing a sense of immediacy and sensory appeal to the scene.
Cassatt’s brushwork captures the texture of the woman’s skin, the soft fabric of her clothing, and the glossy surface of the fruit with precision and tenderness. Although the subject matter is drawn from everyday life, there is a sense of dignity and grace in the woman’s bearing, reflecting the artist’s skill at elevating the ordinary to the level of art through careful observation and mastery of the medium. The portrait resonates with the themes of Realism, where artists aimed to depict subjects in a true-to-life manner, focusing on ordinary people and events without idealization.
