The artwork “Woman with Needlework” by Mary Cassatt was executed between the years 1880 and 1882, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the Impressionist movement. Measuring 92 x 63 cm, it can be categorized as a portrait and is currently housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France. As an Impressionist piece, it likely embodies the movement’s characteristic brushstrokes and preoccupation with light and momentary scenes.
In the artwork, a woman is captured in a moment of quiet concentration, her attention wholly devoted to the needlework in her hands. The setting appears to be outdoors, with hints of greenery and floral reds subtly visible in the background. The portrayal of the woman is intimate and naturalistic, emblematic of Cassatt’s focus on the private and unguarded moments of domestic life, particularly those of women.
The depiction emphasizes the serenity and grace of everyday activity, blending the subject with her immediate surroundings through Cassatt’s expert manipulation of light and color. The Impressionist style is present in the loose brushstrokes that convey the texture of the woman’s attire and the shimmering quality of the light surrounding her. Such artworks not only celebrate the mundane but also provide insight into the social roles and cultural expectations of women during that period, often reflecting Cassatt’s advocacy for the nuanced representation of women’s lives in art.
