The artwork titled “Profile of an Italian Woman” is a distinguished piece crafted by Mary Cassatt around 1873. This portrait, rendered in watercolor on paper, is exemplary of the Impressionist movement, which Cassatt was a part of. The genre of the artwork is portrait, and while the specific identity of the woman is not disclosed in the facts provided, the precise depiction and general title suggest it is a portrayal of an Italian subject. The artwork is part of a private collection and is not on public display.
“Profile of an Italian Woman” captures the essence of Impressionist portraiture through its loose, fluid brushstrokes and the artist’s attention to light and color rather than precise detail. The subject of the artwork is depicted in profile, gazing to the right, which conveys a sense of introspection or contemplation. The color palette is soft and harmonious, with warm browns and vibrant reds dominating the composition. The brushstrokes are visible and expressive, with the watercolor medium allowing for areas of translucency and blending. This creates a sense of immediacy and spontaneity typical of Impressionist works. The figure’s attire and gesture are rendered with economy of detail yet suggest an air of casual elegance. Overall, the artwork embodies the innovative spirit of the Impressionist movement, highlighting the fleeting effects of light and color and the artist’s personal impression of the scene.
