The artwork “The Sailor Boy Gardener Cassatt” was created by Mary Cassatt in 1892. This exquisite piece is executed in pastel on paper and is a testament to the Realism art movement. Measuring 48.26 x 63.5 cm, the portrait genre of this piece is reflective of Cassatt’s delicate sensibility for capturing human subjects. Currently residing in a private collection, this piece exemplifies the nuanced skill with which Cassatt imbued her representations of individuals.
In the artwork, one can observe a young boy, portrayed in profile with a soft, contemplative gaze directed towards the unseen horizon. The warmth of the boy’s fair complexion is complemented by the reddish tones in his hair. Dressed in a dark sailor suit embellished with white trimmings—a popular children’s fashion at the time—Cassatt showcases the attire with meticulous attention to textural details, evidencing the clothing’s fabric and folds. The background remains subdued, enveloping the figure in an ambient darkness that enhances the subject’s illuminated side profile. Cassatt’s astute use of light and shadow brings a lifelike dimensionality to the young boy’s features, showcasing her exceptional talent in rendering human expressions and moods. Her mastery of pastels is evident in the way she utilizes soft strokes to model the boy’s form with a gentle yet definitive touch.
