Portrait of a Woman
- Original dimensions
- 72.4 x 99.1 cm
Scene depicted
In this canvas , Cassatt presents an awakening woman, her gaze both dreamy and determined seeming to capture a suspended moment. The composition, intimate and delicate, reflects not only the grace of her subject but also the inner world of the painter, feminine and full of nuances. Each brushstroke evokes emotional depth, inviting observers to immerse themselves in the character's introspection.
Historical context
Œuvre : Portrait of a Woman |BRK| Artiste : Mary Cassatt |BRK| Année : 1882 |BRK| Musée : Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery |BRK| Dimensions : 72.4 x 99.1 cm |BRK|
Place in the artist's career
The Portrait of a Woman marks a significant turning point in Cassatt's career. It is part of a period of artistic maturity, alongside other works such as Two Women Reading and The Reading , which reveal her growing mastery of colors and emotions. This painting represents a culmination of the abstraction of feminine forms.
Anecdote
“I seek to capture the very essence of woman, a hidden light in her gaze.” These words from Cassatt resonate strongly when contemplating her masterpiece . The inspiration may have come from a morning walk, under the song of birds and the sweet scents of spring, where every face she encountered whispered a story to tell, particularly that of this canvas .