The artwork entitled “The Long Gloves” is a creation by the artist Mary Cassatt, dating back to the year 1889. Crafted with the medium of pastel on paper, it embodies the aesthetic principles of the Impressionist movement, serving as a portrait genre piece. Currently, this piece resides within a private collection, hence restricting public viewing opportunities.
The artwork presents an intimate moment captured in warm and earthy tones. At the center of the composition is a figure, likely a young woman, engaged in the delicate task of donning long gloves, which drape elegantly over her hands and forearms. The subject’s gaze is directed downwards, suggesting a moment of quiet concentration or introspection.
Cassatt’s use of pastels allows for a soft yet textured portrayal of her subject, imbuing the artwork with a sense of immediacy and sensitivity. The strokes of blue, white, and subtle hints of red contribute to the finery suggested by the gloves, while the brown paper background provides a natural and understated setting that draws attention to the figure and her delicate activity.
Characteristic of Impressionism, the portrayal eschews meticulous detail in favor of capturing the essence of the moment. Light and shadow play across the subject’s face and attire, further emphasizing the Impressionist preoccupation with the effects of light upon the surface of objects. Cassatt’s signature, placed visibly at the bottom right of the artwork, confirms her authorship of this serene and evocative piece.
