The artwork titled “Portrait Of A Young Girl,” created by the artist Mary Cassatt around the year 1900, is an oil painting on canvas, and it can be characterized within the Impressionism movement. The dimensions of this portrait are approximately 61.34 x 73.66 centimeters. Currently, the painting resides in a private collection. This particular piece is a genre painting, focusing mainly on the subject of portraiture.
In the artwork, there is a young girl depicted as the central figure. She appears thoughtful, with her gaze directed slightly to the side, allowing the viewer to engage with her contemplative expression. Adorned with a wide-brimmed hat decorated with what seems to be tulle fabric and a dark ribbon, the child’s face is framed both by the hat and her light hair. The hat casts gentle shadows on her face, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the subject and demonstrating Cassatt’s skill with light and shadow.
The young girl is dressed in a pink outfit with delicate ruffles at the collar, and the sleeves of her garment are of a contrasting dark fabric, possibly velvet, with intricate lace detailing. Her sleeves puff at the shoulder, indicating the fashion of the time. Her hands are rendered with a looseness that is characteristic of the Impressionist style, capturing the essence of movement and form without meticulous detail.
Behind her, the background is a verdant landscape painted with broad, sweeping brushstrokes typical of Impressionism. The greenery suggests an outdoor setting, likely a garden or park, providing a peaceful and pastoral atmosphere to the composition. The choice of colors and light captures the immediacy of the moment, as well as the fleeting effects of sunlight, which were principal themes among Impressionists.
Overall, Cassatt’s “Portrait Of A Young Girl” is a delicate and evocative work that vividly encapsulates the essence of youth and the freshness of the outdoors through the lens of Impressionist sensibilities.
