The artwork titled “Portrait of Mme. Fontveille” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt in 1902. Cassatt, known for her role in the Impressionism movement, depicted the subject in this portrait with finesse. The artwork is a modestly sized piece, with dimensions of 40.64 x 28.58 cm, and is classified within the genre of portraiture. Currently, the portrait is held within a private collection.
The artwork reveals the upper half of a seated woman, portrayed with a confident and direct gaze. The style is characteristic of Impressionist portraiture, displaying loose, sketch-like lines that capture the essence of the subject without an overabundance of detail. The subject dons what appears to be a fashionable hat of the era, tilted slightly atop her head, which adds an air of stylishness to her appearance. Her attire includes a dark coat or shawl worn over a lighter garment, and she is portrayed in what seems to be a relaxed, yet dignified posture. The use of lines indicates the folds and form of her clothing, with hatching techniques applied to create shadows and texture.
The portrait is a demonstration of Cassatt’s skill at capturing the character and social bearings of her sitters, reflecting both the personal identity of the individual and the broader styles of her time. The sketch is seemingly executed with a confident and assured hand, indicative of Cassatt’s adeptness in portraying the human figure. Despite the limited use of color and the economy of stroke, the portrait is imbued with personality and a sense of the sitter’s presence.
