The artwork titled “Portrait Of The Artist” was created by Mary Cassatt around 1878. This self-portrait is executed in gouache on paper and is affiliated with the Impressionism art movement. The piece measures approximately 60 cm by 41.1 cm and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork captures a moment of introspection, featuring the artist herself as the subject. The informal yet deliberate brushstrokes are emblematic of the Impressionist style, offering a sense of immediacy and fluidity. Cassatt is depicted in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed slightly away from the viewer, which suggests a moment of private thought or reflection. Her attire includes a white blouse with ruffles and a red tie, accompanied by a vibrant hat festooned with red flowers, contributing to the portrayal of her personal style and the period’s fashion. The composition employs a warm, muted palette in the background that contrasts with the crisp white of her blouse, drawing attention to her contemplative expression. The choice of medium, gouache, allows for opaque layers and dense color, adding to the depth and richness of the image. The gestural quality of the brushwork, the attention to light and shadow, and the intimate portrayal all serve to encapsulate the essence of the sitter, while also reflecting the broader stylistic tendencies of the Impressionist movement.
