Mary Cassatt, an artist associated with the Impressionist movement, crafted the artwork “Sara and Her Mother with the Baby” around 1901. The medium she employed for this creation is pastel on paper. The artwork stands as an example of a genre painting, focusing on scenes from everyday life, and it measures approximately 91.44 cm by 71.12 cm. Currently, this piece is held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a warm and intimate scene featuring an adult woman, presumed to be the mother, seated next to two children. The woman’s gaze is affectionately directed towards the baby in her arms. On the other side, an older child, Sara, is depicted with an attentive and perhaps curious expression towards the baby. The brushstrokes exhibit the characteristic softness and the nuanced play of light typical to the Impressionist style, capturing a snapshot of domestic tranquility. The artwork employs a palette that suggests a soft diffused light, emphasizing the tender and quiet atmosphere of the moment shared between the family members.