Portrait of a Young Woman in a White Hat
- Original dimensions
- 38 x 46 cm
- Museum
- Hôtel d'Assézat
- Year
- 1879
Scene depicted
This canvas reveals the grace of an elegant young woman wearing an imposing white hat. Cassatt, through her unique talent, depicts not only a female figure but a tapestry of feelings. The humanity of her character is evident in her gaze, where each nuance tells a story of gentleness and introspection, while the white hat emphasizes the purity and timeless chic of the era.
Historical context
Created in 1879, this painting is at the heart of the Impressionist movement, at a time when Mary Cassatt stands out as one of the first women artists to have made a mark in art history. This canvas is currently exhibited at the Hôtel d'Assézat in Toulouse, showcasing the excellence of the French artistic tradition. Its dimensions, 38 x 46 cm, highlight this delicate and thoughtful composition.
Place in the artist's career
The Portrait of a Young Woman in a White Hat represents a crucial milestone in Mary Cassatt 's career, displaying a refined style and technical mastery that places her alongside her male peers. In parallel with her works such as The Reading (1890) and Woman in Spanish Costume (1890), this canvas highlights her evolution through themes of daily life and femininity, oscillating between intimacy and societal observation.
Anecdote
Mary Cassatt once stated: "Light is the soul of painting ; it infuses life into all my works." This thought resonates through the masterpiece that is the Portrait of a Young Woman in a White Hat, capturing a suspended moment in soft light, reminiscent of a spring morning where colors blend with the sweet scents of budding flowers in a silent garden.