The artwork entitled “Roman Girl” is an oil on canvas painting by the artist Mary Cassatt. This piece is illustrative of the Impressionism art movement and serves the genre of portrait. Measuring 70.49 cm by 58.42 cm, the artwork currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a young woman in a profile view, exuding a gentle demeanor. Her attire suggests the luxury and style of a bygone era, with delicate fabric that drapes across her shoulder and a decorative element adorning her hair. The brushwork is loose and expressive, characteristic of the Impressionist movement, providing a sense of movement and liveliness to her form.
Cassatt’s use of color is muted yet rich, and her application of light and shadow models the figure with softness and roundness. The woman’s gaze is directed away from the viewer, lending an air of introspection or contemplation. The background is rendered in a soft, nondescript manner, which allows the viewer’s focus to remain firmly on the subject of the portrait. Through this work, Cassatt captures an intimate and serene moment, which is further emphasized by her subtle yet effective use of composition and lighting.