The artwork titled “Portrait of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer” is a creation by the artist Mary Cassatt, dating back to the year 1896. Employing pastel on paper, Cassatt has masterfully rendered this work within the Impressionist movement, a genre known for its vibrant light and color application. This particular piece is categorized as a portrait and is housed at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT, US.
The artwork presents a woman portrayed in a frontal view, filling much of the frame. She appears contemplative and serene, her gaze slightly off-center, not directly engaging with the viewer. Her hair is dark and styled in a manner typical of the late 19th century, with a central parting and swept-back arrangement. She is dressed in attire that suggests refinement and elegance, consistent with the fashion of the period. Noteworthy is the delicate treatment of the garment’s fabric, which exhibits Cassatt’s dexterity with pastels, capturing its texture and folds with a gentle touch.
The backdrop is executed with broad strokes of warm colors, providing a stark contrast to the more cool and muted tones of the sitter’s dress and skin. The brushwork is loose and expressive, characteristic of the Impressionist style, where precise detail is eschewed in favor of capturing the impression of light and form. Despite the seeming spontaneity of the background, the subject’s face and hands are finely detailed, conveying a sense of individual character and mood.
Overall, the portrait exudes an air of quiet dignity, resonating with the depth of personality and the subtlety of the human condition. Cassatt’s proficiency in the medium and her keen observation of social nuances are clearly reflected in this sensitive depiction.
