The artwork entitled “Young Girl with Brown Hair” is a pastel portrait by the artist Mary Cassatt, famed for her role in the Impressionist movement. Created in the period circa 1880 to 1886, the piece is characterized by the soft and visible pastel strokes that align with the Impressionist style, aimed at capturing light and moments in time with an element of immediacy and spontaneity. Cassatt’s work measures 52.07 by 49.53 centimeters and is currently housed within a private collection. As a portrait, it presents the viewer with an intimate glimpse into the character and mood of the subject depicted.
The artwork portrays a young girl gazing slightly to the left of the viewer, suggesting a moment of thoughtful contemplation or quiet observation. Her brown hair is neatly arranged, framing her youthful features, while her attire, delineated in quick, expressive strokes, hints at the softness and texture of fabric. Consistent with the Impressionist style, the background remains ambiguous, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject’s figure and expression. The subtle interplay of light and shadow on the girl’s face and clothing imbues the artwork with a sense of depth, drawing the observer into the thoughtful mood of the piece. The use of pastel enables an immediacy in Cassatt’s artistic process, each mark contributing to the overall impression while providing an understanding of her technique.
