Clarissa (circa 1890-93)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Clarissa" by Mary Cassatt is a captivating illustration of the artist's deft hand and sensitive portrayal of her subjects, predominantly women and children. Created between 1890 and 1893, this pastel on paper reflects Cassatt's impressionistic style, marked by soft yet vivid brushstrokes that beautifully capture the essence of the moment.The painting features a young girl resting an arm on a sofa, her head gently supported by her hand. Her thoughtful expression and sideways glance evoke a sense of introspection or daydreaming, typical of Cassatt’s ability to depict the quiet, reflective moments of everyday life. The use of light and shadow on her face highlights her features with a gentle realism.The color palette is soft, with shades of peach, blue, and cream blending seamlessly into the background, yet Cassatt manages to draw the viewer’s attention to the subject with skillful contrasts and subtle tones. This painting not only reflects the beauty and innocence of youth but also exemplifies Cassatt's extraordinary ability to convey complex emotions and narratives through seemingly simple scenes.
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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.