The artwork entitled “Portrait of Mie Louise Durand Ruel” was created by Mary Cassatt in 1911. Employing the medium of pastel on paper, Cassatt depicted her subject within the aesthetic conventions of the Impressionism movement. This portrait genre work is part of a private collection and reveals Cassatt’s unique ability to capture the essence of her sitter through vibrant colors and a delicate handling of light and texture.
In the artwork, one observes a young woman elegantly attired in a patterned pink dress with a white lace collar, her complexion softly radiant against the muted backdrop. Her brown hair is styled in an updo, typical of the fashion of the early 20th century, with a few tendrils framing her composed face. The subject’s gaze appears calm and direct, suggesting a quiet confidence or perhaps a moment of introspection. Her hands tenderly cradle a small, scruffy black and tan dog, an intimate gesture that emphasizes the bond between the sitter and her pet. The loose, expressive strokes of pastel create a dynamic interplay of colors and textures, conveying the intimate and spontaneous charm characteristic of Cassatt’s work within the Impressionism movement.
