The artwork titled “Simone in Plumed Hat” is a creation by artist Mary Cassatt, dating from around 1903. Executed in the medium of pastel, the piece is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, specifically within the genre of portraiture. Cassatt’s work is currently held within a private collection. The artwork reveals the portrait of a young subject garbed in attire that includes a remarkable plumed hat. The child’s expression is contemplative and quietly engaging, eliciting an intimate connection with the viewer.
The Impressionist style is evident in the light brushstrokes and the luminous interplay of colors that create a sense of immediacy and vivacity within the work. Cassatt, known for her sensitive depictions of women and children, has rendered the figure with a notable blend of softness and structure, allowing the sitter’s personality to resonate through the gentle pastel hues. The plumed hat itself is a striking feature, rendered with feathery strokes that mimic the lightness of the actual material, and the soft blues of the attire complement the natural, warm tones of the background. The nuanced interplay of shadow and light across the subject’s features underscores the skilled technique of the artist, capturing the subtlety of human expression through the Impressionist lens.
