The artwork “Sara in Dark Bonnet with Right Hand on Arm of Chair,” created by the artist Mary Cassatt, is an oil painting on canvas that belongs to the genre of portraiture, a distinguished form of art that captures the likeness and personality of a person. Cassatt, who was associated with the Impressionist movement—an avant-garde art movement of the late 19th century known for its attempt to capture the transient effects of light and color—crafted this piece with the soft yet vivid brushwork characteristic of the style. The work is part of a private collection, meaning it is not currently on public display.
In this depiction, we observe the youthful subject, Sara, adorned with a dark bonnet that features a rose attachment, suggesting an air of innocence and charm. The bonnet’s shadow delicately graces her youthful face, which exudes a sense of calm attentiveness, capturing the viewer’s attention with a direct but gentle gaze. Sara’s right hand rests softly on the arm of a chair, conveying a relaxed and somewhat informal posture.
The palette chosen by Cassatt for the artwork is comprised of soft pastels, with a prominent use of blues that drape over Sara’s dress, imbuing the canvas with a sense of serenity and warmth. The loose and expressive brushstrokes offer a rich texture and convey the spontaneity of the impressionistic approach. Despite the candidness of the portrayal, there remains an evident gracefulness—a hallmark of Cassatt’s treatment of her subjects, often featuring women and children with an intimate and compassionate lens. This painting thus not only captures the likeness of Sara but also provides a window into the painter’s interpretation of her character and mood, as is typical of the portraiture genre in which it is executed.
