The Loge
Image courtesy of
The National Gallery of Art, U.S.A
Education:
At age 21, she began her study of painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, but left 5 years later to study under Chaplin in Paris.
Life/Lifestyle:
Mary Cassatt was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania to a wealthy family. She began her artistic training in the United States at a time before American art had a strong identity. She continued her artistic career in France, where she first received recognition with the Impressionists, and was influenced greatly by Edgar Degas.
She was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1904, but her recognition in the United States came much slower. She made several attempts to bring Impressionism to America, but the style developed slowly there. in 1914, she received the Gold Medal of Honor at the Pennsylvania Academy for her achievements in Impressionism.
Style/Significance:
Mary Cassatt started off with more formal poses in her painting, and, under the influence of Edgar Degas and Japanese art, began to emphasize on line, and featured natural, more informal positions of people in her painting. Her style became very characteristic of the Impressionists. Although she was not formally a member of the group, she exhibited with them from 1879-1881, and again in 1886.
She frequently used the relationship between mothers and daughters as the theme of her paintings.
Famous Pieces:
Girl Sewing
Cup of Tea
The Boating Party
