The artwork titled “Study for Augusta Reading to Her Daughter” is an oil on canvas painting by Mary Cassatt, dating to circa 1910. It exemplifies the Impressionist movement to which Cassatt was closely associated. The painting is of modest size, with dimensions of 46.36 cm by 38.1 cm, and is presently housed in a private collection. As a genre, it can be categorized as a portrait, reflecting the artist’s frequent focus on intimate domestic scenes and personal relationships.
In the artwork, we observe a young girl portrayed in a profile view. The brushstrokes are typical of Impressionist technique—loose and visible, imparting an immediacy and a sense of fleeting moments captured. The color palette is rich in pastel hues, predominantly warm shades of pinks and yellows used for the subject’s clothing, contrasting with the cooler green tones of the background. The subject’s facial expression is contemplative, perhaps indicating her absorption in the reading. The atmospheric background suggests an outdoor or garden setting, characterized by vibrant greenery and rhythmic brushwork. Cassatt’s signature on the artwork is prominently placed at the bottom right, firmly attributing the work to her hand.
