The artwork “Sleepy Thomas Sucking His Thumb” is a pastel creation by the artist Mary Cassatt dated to 1893. An exemplar of the Impressionist movement, this genre painting captures a tender and intimate moment. Currently, the piece is part of the collection at the E.G. Bührle Foundation, located in Zürich, Switzerland.
The artwork portrays an affectionate scene between a mother and child. The mother is depicted in a profile view, with her attention lovingly directed towards the child in her arms. The child, presumably Thomas, is depicted with a serene expression, his eyes gazing outward while he sucks his thumb, indicating a state of comfort and sleepiness. Cassatt’s use of pastel has allowed for a softness in the rendering, which emphasizes the gentleness of the moment. The brushwork shows the hallmark spontaneity of Impressionism, and the choice of colors reflects a warm, nurturing environment. The composition and execution of the scene evoke the private, familial moments that Cassatt is renowned for capturing in her art.
