The National Gallery of Art in Washington is honouring this brilliant American artist on the 100th anniversary of her death.
This engaging exhibit brings together approximately 40 works, including paintings, sketches and block prints, and runs from February 14 to August 30, 2026.
Born in Pennsylvania, Mary Cassatt (May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Like other notable American artists of the time, such as John Singer Sargent, she began traveling around Europe to study art, to paint, and to eventually establish herself as a professional artist.
Young Girl at a Window, Mary Cassatt Photo: National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection ©
During her time in Paris, she continued her education and submitted her work to the exhibits, selling many paintings. Eventually, she met up with the Impressionist artists and developed a close bond with Edgar Degas, who significantly influenced her life and her art.
Woman with a Sunflower, May Cassatt Photo: National Gallery of Art, Chester Dale Collection ©
One of the few prominent female Impressionists, Cassatt’s art shows her insight into the world of women and their daily lives. For example, she often focused on the close bond between mothers and their children, as can be seen in Woman with a Sunflower. There’s a playful element to this piece — the little girl is watching us in her mirror.
The Loge, Mary Cassatt Photo: National Gallery of Art, Chester Dale Collection ©
Cassatt also depicted the wealthy enjoying the pleasures of high society. In her painting, The Loge, we see a pair of young beauties seated at the theater, dressed lavishly while holding flowers and an ornate fan. These two appear to be an elegant part of the spectacle that evening.
Woman Bathing, Mary Cassatt Photo: National Gallery of Art, Chester Dale Collection ©
Quiet scenes of solitary women may seem a bit routine, though we can better understand daily life at home with Cassatt’s images of bathing or writing letters at a desk to keep up with social contacts.
Mary Cassatt, The Letter, Mary Cassatt Photo: National Gallery of Art, Chester Dale Collection ©
In addition to the exhibit, the library here has organized a collection of archival photographs, catalogs, and Cassatt’s correspondence to present more details of her life.
If you’ll be in Washington, you’ll enjoy seeing the work of this compelling and significant artist.
For more information, visit www.nga.gov
Lead photo credit : The Boating Party Mary Cassatt Photo: Flickr ©
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