Mary Stevenson Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker, born on May 22, 1844, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. She 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 as one of “les trois grandes dames” 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.
In terms of cultural impact, Mary Cassatt’s art has had a profound influence across the globe. As an American artist, Cassatt’s remarkable legacy continues to be celebrated. Her talent in crafting timeless pieces made her a pivotal figure in the Impressionist era. Cassatt’s artistic journey led her to immortalize beauty on canvas, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary styles, including the European and American approaches. Her artistry lay in her knack for capturing life’s fleeting moments and raw emotions, deeply connecting with viewers. Cassatt’s willingness to explore and adopt groundbreaking painting methods birthed a unique art style that garnered global admiration. Today, her artistic contributions remain celebrated and cherished. Her influence is undeniably present in the art world today. As an iconic figure in the American Impressionist movement, her works inspired generations of artists to develop their own distinct styles. Her influence can be seen not only in the Western art world, but also in the Eastern world, including Japan and China.
