The artwork titled “The Befooted Child” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt in the year 1898. The medium used in this creation is drypoint, which is a printmaking technique. Cassatt was part of the Impressionism movement, and the genre of this work is considered a genre painting. Currently, this piece resides within a private collection, meaning it is not on public display.
“The Befooted Child” exudes the quintessential qualities of Impressionist art through its depiction of everyday life and the intimate moment it captures between a child and their caregiver. The artwork foregrounds the gentle interaction of the two figures. The child, appearing to be in a relaxed or perhaps sleepy state, is held closely and lovingly by an adult figure who is attentively engaged with the child. The delicate line work and soft shading characteristic of drypoint technique lend the piece a tender, almost ethereal quality. The background is minimalist, ensuring that the viewer’s focus remains on the interaction between the figures. Each stroke contributes to conveying the texture of the fabrics and the softness of the moment, expressing a sense of warmth and domestic serenity that is often associated with Cassatt’s work. This piece is emblematic of Mary Cassatt’s focus on the social and private lives of women, with an emphasis on the bond between mother and child.
