Portrait d’homme (1879)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Mary Cassatt's "Portrait d'homme" painted in 1879 vividly showcases the artist's dexterity in capturing the soul and demeanor of her subjects. This particular piece presents a mature gentleman, comfortably seated and dressed in a dark, formal suit with a crisp white shirt. The subject's face is rather expressive, marked by a gentle gaze and a slight, knowing smile, suggesting wisdom and calm assurance.In this portrait, the luminous handling of the face contrasts with the softer, more fluid brushstrokes that define the background and the clothing, creating a lifelike yet somewhat ethereal effect. Cassatt's use of blue highlights in the background and touches of red in the chair cover add vibrancy to the composition, indicating her involvement with Impressionist techniques.This work is an exemplary testament to Cassatt’s skill in portraiture, demonstrating her ability to blend traditional techniques with the emerging styles of her time.
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Mary Stevenson Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker. She was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania (now part of Pittsburgh’s North Side), but lived much of her adult life in France where she befriended Edgar Degas and exhibited with the Impressionists. Cassatt often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children.
She was described by Gustave Geffroy as one of "les trois grandes dames" (the three great ladies) of Impressionism alongside Marie Bracquemond and Berthe Morisot.In 1879, Diego Martelli compared her to Degas, as they both sought to depict movement, light, and design in the most modern sense.