The artwork titled “Smiling Mother with Sober Faced Child” is a creation by the artist Mary Cassatt, dating approximately to the year 1894. It is rendered in pastel, a medium known for its delicate and vivid colors, and it reflects the Impressionist movement’s signature style. The piece is a genre painting, focusing on a scene from daily life, and measures 80.01 by 63.5 centimeters. The whereabouts of this artwork is noted as being within a private collection.
In the artwork, one observes a contrast between the demeanors of the two figures — a smiling mother and her child, whose expression is more reserved. Cassatt’s skillful use of pastel captures the warmth of their exchange despite the sobriety in the child’s face. The use of light and shadow, and the texture achieved with this medium, is consistent with the Impressionist style, which sought to capture moments of life with immediacy and a focus on the effects of light. The mother’s gaze suggests a mix of affection and protectiveness, while the child’s direct gaze may evoke reflection or seriousness beyond their years. The brushwork and color palette are soft and harmonious, contributing to the tranquility and intimacy of the portrait.
