Mary Stevenson Cassatt Pencil Study Sketch of Figures

Item Details

Untitled (figure study sketch)
Graphite sketch on gray paper
Unsigned
Stamped “Mary Cassatt Collection Mathilde X” to lower right and to backing board

Provenance
Purchased from Apple Tree Auction Center, Newark, Ohio, 2019.

This piece appears to be a preliminary sketch related to the pastel drawing Sara and Her Mother with the Baby, completed circa 1901.

Mary Stevenson Cassatt is recognized as one of the preeminent Impressionist painters who is best known for her portrayals of mothers and children. She was born in 1844 in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania but spent most of her adult life studying and painting in Paris, making it her permanent home in 1875. There she painted with Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley and most notably gained the attention of Edgar Degas who invited her to join the Impressionists after seeing her work at the Paris Salon of 1868. She abandoned the Academic style to adopt their bright palette and modern compositions, but developed her own style through subject matter. Unable to frequent cafes and society, or spend long hours in nature as her male counterparts, she focused her attention on home and family, elevating mothers and children through her composition and careful, unsentimental draftsmanship. She exhibited with the Impressionists from 1879 to 1886, and was the only American woman to do so.

Condition

- toning and light scattered foxing to drawing and mat; wear and areas of loss to frame.

Dimensions

- measures frame; visible image measures 6" W x 4" H.

Item #

ITMG115985