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Mother and Child (The Oval Mirror)
- Original dimensions
- 65.7 x 81.6 cm
- Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Year
- 1899
Scene depicted
In this painting, the scene finely depicts a moment shared between a mother and her child, in front of an oval mirror. The composition highlights the serenity of the moment, where their gazes meet with palpable tenderness. The intimate setting of this atmosphere captivates our attention, transporting us into a bubble of pure and authentic affection, where colors and shapes intertwine to illustrate the beauty of this sacred bond.
Historical context
Created at the end of the 19th century, in the vibrant city of New York, this magnificent painting captivates with its moving testimony of one of life's sweetest moments. Mary Cassatt , an iconic figure of the Impressionist movement, presents a timeless work that invites reflection on motherhood and the bond between a mother and her child. The prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this canvas which, with its dimensions of 65.7 x 81.6 cm, conveys the very essence of its time.
Place in the artist's career
Mother and Child (The Oval Mirror) stands as a pillar in Mary Cassatt 's career, representing a time of emotional and technical richness. This masterpiece is positioned among other great works such as “The Reading” and “Children at Bath.” Each painting, with its themes of motherhood and intimacy, testifies to the unique evolution of her style and her commitment to everyday painting.
Anecdote
“Every brushstroke is a caress, a breath of life.” This quote, imbued with the emotion that animated Mary Cassatt , evokes memories of a spring morning when she captured all the happiness of a sacred bond. The painting “Mother and Child (The Oval Mirror)” draws its inspiration from the tenderness that only mothers can feel, resonating within us a delicate melody, a tender echo in our memory.