The artwork titled “Sketch of Francois” is attributed to the renowned artist Mary Cassatt. Executed in the medium of pastel on paper, it is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, which is marked by its characteristic depiction of light and its effect on surfaces. This genre is often recognized as a sketch and study, suggesting a work that may capture a moment or serve as a preliminary exploration for a larger piece. The piece’s dimensions are 47.6 x 42.5 cm, and it currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork presents a portrait of a subject captured in a soft and ephemeral manner, emblematic of the Impressionist style. The choice of pastel allows for a rich interplay of color and texture, imbuing the work with a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The subject’s facial features are rendered with a gentle touch, the strokes blending to create a delicate harmony of hues. The background is suggested with a broad, loose handling of pastel, allowing the figure to emerge as the central focus. The artist has signed the work, linking their identity indelibly to this introspective moment.
