The artwork entitled “Woman in Black” is a creation of the renowned artist Mary Cassatt, executed circa 1882. This oil on canvas portrait is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement and is currently held in a private collection. Cassatt’s work is celebrated for its vibrant portrayal of the private and social lives of women, with a particular focus on the intimate bonds between mothers and children.
“Woman in Black” shows the finesse of Cassatt’s brushwork that characterizes Impressionism, with its emphasis on light and its effect on surfaces. The subject is depicted seated, wearing a black dress that envelops her form against a backdrop of muted, loosely rendered yellow tones. These tones create a stark contrast that foregrounds the figure. The woman’s face exhibits a gentle gaze that engages the viewer, and her pose is relaxed but elegant. The visible brushstrokes and the interplay of light and shadow on her dress and the chair signal Cassatt’s mastery of color and texture, which breathe life into the composition. Despite the spontaneous feel typical of Impressionism, there is a strong sense of the woman’s personality and the world she inhabits, inviting contemplation of her inner life and societal role during the late 19th century.
