The artwork titled “Portrait of a Young Woman,” created by the artist Mary Cassatt around 1898, is a quintessential example of the Impressionist movement. It measures approximately 43.02 x 57.47 cm and falls under the portrait genre. This piece is held in a private collection and captures the essence of the period with its brushwork and color palette.
The artwork depicts a young woman in a moment of introspection or repose. Her gaze is directed away from the viewer, suggesting a private reverie or a moment caught unaware. The background features loose, broad strokes of blue and brown, contributing to the impression of a fleeting moment in time, a hallmark of the Impressionist style. The young woman’s clothing is suggested with rapid, gestural lines that emphasize the impression of immediacy. The artist’s use of color on the subject’s cheeks provides a lively contrast to her otherwise delicate features, hinting at her vitality. Though the setting is not distinctly detailed, the impressionistic approach to this portrait focuses on capturing the essence of the woman’s demeanor and the light that falls upon her, rather than a highly refined realistic depiction.
