Cassatt (1844-1926)

Cassatt (1844-1926)

DETAIL FROM THE MATERNAL KISS BY MARY STEVENSON CASSATT

An artist was considered to be an unsuitable career for a woman but because Mary Cassatt was independently wealthy she gained acceptance rather quickly. She began by selling her paintings through her social contacts with wealthy private collectors.
Cassatt developed a highly accomplished style. [RA] {HI}
Mary Cassat focused on line over mass, which is evident in her use of strong lines. She also used the oblique view with simplified colour forms to create her flat compositions. Cassatt chose domestic settings with maternity as her thematic and formal focus. She looked for inspiration from Degas and Japanese prints. [MH] {NR}