Mary Cassatt Mary Stevenson Cassatt American, born in Pennsylvania Born May 22, 1844 Lived to be 82 (June 14, 1926) Self Portrait, 1878 Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Lived in USA and Europe Mary’s family moved to Paris, France when she was 7. They moved to Germany when she was 9. Mary saw her first Masterpieces (great art) at museums in Paris. She studied at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Mary wanted to be a professional artist, which was uncommon for women in those days. Her father disagreed, but she finally convinced him. At age 21, she moved back to Paris to continue her studies.

First American Woman Impressionist Challenging –Not many professional women artists in the 1800s –Women took classes separately from men, no live models –Americans were thought to know little about culture and art (compared to European artists) Unique style –Edgar Degas invited Mary to join the Impressionists, and became her mentor (she learned from him) –Impressionists used visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on light in its changing qualities (showing the passage of time), ordinary subject matter –Mary often focused on relationships between mother and child

Mother and Child Mary Cassatt was known for her portraits of mother and child. She never married nor had children of her own. Much of her artwork shows relationships between women and children, up close and physically interacting. Details in eyes, hands, and arm position show interaction. Clothing, bodies and backgrounds were drawn with less detail. She used paints, pastels, and printmaking techniques in her art. She often used pastels because of their freshness and spontaneity.

The Child's Caress Oil on canvas. Honolulu Academy of Arts, Honolulu.

The Child’s Bath (The Bath) Oil on canvas. Art Institute of Chicago

The Banjo Lesson Drypoint and aquatint The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

Mary Cassatt. The Boating Party. c. 1893/94. Oil on canvas. The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

Maternal Kiss Pastel on paper. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA

Mother and Child pastel on paper Art Institute of Chicago

Tips for working with chalk Work in the style of Mary Cassatt – chalk is similar to pastels. Apply chalk gently – don’t push too hard or chalk will break. Dust will form. Blow gently to remove the dust. If you brush chalk dust with your hand it will smear. A pencil eraser can be used gently to remove a light chalk smear, Rest your hand on scrap paper, not directly on your work, to avoid smearing the chalk with your hand. Chalk can be added in layers for details, so start by filling in the face, then draw nose, eyes, mouth on top. You can also use pencils for further details in specific areas. (pupils of eyes, fingers on hands) If chalk seems hard or is not writing, rub it on scrap paper or a paper towel

Young Mother Sewing Oil on canvas The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Mother and Child National Gallery of Art Washington, D.C.

Mary Cassatt 1.Mary Cassatt saw her first ____________ (great art) at museums in Paris when she was 7 years old. 2.Paris is a city in ______________. 3.Mary Cassatt was asked by Edgar Degas to join the __________________. 4.She was the first _____________ woman to become an Impressionist artist. 5.Impressionism used visible ________ strokes, open composition, emphasis on light, and ordinary subjects. 6.Mary was known for her paintings of _________ and child.

Mary Cassatt 1.Mary Cassatt saw her first masterpieces (great art) at museums in Paris when she was 7 years old. 2.Paris is a city in France. 3.Mary Cassatt was asked by Edgar Degas to join the Impressionists. 4.She was the first American woman to become an Impressionist artist. 5.Impressionism used visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on light, and ordinary subjects. 6.Mary was known for her paintings of mother and child.