The artwork titled “Sketch of Anne and Her Nurse” is a creation by Mary Cassatt dating back to approximately 1897. Crafted with oil on canvas, this piece is a notable example of the Impressionist movement. Its dimensions are 69.85 by 59.69 centimeters. Classified as a sketch and study, the artwork is part of the collection at the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine, United States.
The artwork reveals an intimate and tender moment between a nurse and a child, presumably named Anne. The nurse is depicted with her arms securely wrapped around the young child, with Anne nestled against her. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, a hallmark of the Impressionist technique, which aims to capture the fleeting effects of light and color rather than emphasizing fine, detailed lines. The colors are relatively muted but harmoniously blended, conveying a warm and gentle ambiance.
Cassatt’s composition in this painting evokes a sense of closeness and protective care. The figures are positioned off-center, with ample space surrounding them, which could suggest the broader world around, yet the focal point remains the bond between the two figures. There is a sketchy quality to the work, which suggests that this piece might have been a preliminary study or an impromptu capture of a daily life scene, a common theme in Cassatt’s body of work, which often explores the world of women and children.
The brushwork suggests a rapid execution, with some areas of the canvas left bare, reinforcing the idea that this piece was likely more of a spontaneous depiction rather than a meticulously planned final painting. Overall, the artwork is rich in emotional depth, exemplifying Cassatt’s skill in portraying intimate human relationships and her contribution to the Impressionist movement.
