WOMEN IN ART: MARY CASSATT

A very widely known American woman artist is Mary Cassatt. I remember learning about her when I was still in elementary school. She was born around Pittsburgh, PA and moved closer to Philadelphia for her childhood but then lived most of her adult life in France (where she became friends with Edgar Degas). At a young age she traveled around Europe and was able to go to Paris World's Fair in 1855 to see many many amazing artists (Ingres, Delacroix, Courbet, Corot). This is where she began her first artistic impulses even though her family didn't support her becoming a professional artist.

Eventually she moved to Europe and was a huge part of the Impressionist Movement. She studied under many artists and became friends with Degas who greatly influenced her work. "Degas had considerable influence on Cassatt. She became extremely proficient in the use of pastels, eventually creating many of her most important works in this medium. Degas also introduced her to copper engraving, of which he was a recognized master, which strengthened her control of line and overall draftsmanship. She became the subject in his series of etchings recording their trips to the Louvre. They worked side-by-side for awhile, and she gained considerably from his technique and knowledge."

Mary Cassatt, Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, 1878

Here's another one of her pieces that set her in the Impressionist movement:

Mary Cassatt, Summertime

Later on in her career she began to become influenced by Japanese drawings, like many artists had, and so her works became more illustrative. With great simplicity and blocks of color she was able to create a beautiful collection of aquatints.

Mary Cassatt, The Coiffure (study)

She was a great and prolific painter of her time and was rubbing elbows with the best of the best. Mary Cassatt's work has sold millions of dollars and she is highly influential and original. Whether you enjoy her Japanese influenced aquatints, her super Impressionist paintings, or her Degas inspired pastel drawings she is a one-of-a-kind artist that is necessary in Art History.

Citations:
All information and pictures were found at www.marycassatt.org