The artwork titled “Young Girls” was crafted by the renowned artist Mary Cassatt in the year 1897. This piece is rendered in pastel on paper and measures approximately 52.71 by 63.5 cm. As an exemplar of the Impressionist art movement, it falls into the genre of portraiture, evoking a sense of intimacy and candidness characteristic of Cassatt’s style.
Upon examination of the artwork, it reveals a portrayal of two young girls captured in a moment of quiet interaction. The artist employs a soft, yet vibrant palette, reflecting the light and ambience of the setting. The pastel medium allows for gentle contours and a textured finish, imbuing the piece with a warmth and immediacy.
The subjects are depicted close together, with their gazes turned in different directions, suggesting a fleeting, unposed instance. The girl on the left is adorned in a delicate yellow dress, her hair arranged in an elegant updo, while the girl on the right wears a bold red garment with her hair loosely gathered, displaying a contrast in both color and demeanor. The interplay of these elements conveys a narrative of childhood and sisterhood, which resonates with the viewer.
The background is executed with broad, sweeping strokes, providing a harmonious backdrop that further accentuates the figures. Cassatt’s impressionistic style is evident in the loose, expressive strokes and the emphasis on capturing the essence of the moment rather than delving into meticulous detail. This approach to portraiture demonstrates Cassatt’s unique ability to encapsulate the personalities and the subtle dynamics of her subjects, making “Young Girls” a poignant example of her work within the Impressionism genre.
