Mary CassattAnd

French Impressionism

French Impressionism

• When did it start?, Who started it?It started in the 19th century, it originated with a group of Paris based artists.

What techniques were used? What did the Impressionists paint?

Impressionists’ paintings characteristics include small, thin, but visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing quality. Prior to the Impressionists, other painters, notably such 17th-century Dutch painters as Jan Steen, had emphasized common subjects, but their methods of composition were traditional. They arranged their compositions so that the main subject commanded the viewer's attention.

Mary Cassatt

Mary’s Life• Went to Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts• Within months of her return to Europe in the autumn

of 1871, Cassatt's prospects had brightened. Her painting Two Women Throwing Flowers During Carnival was well received in the Salon of 1872, and was purchased. She attracted much favorable notice in Parma and was supported and encouraged by the art community there: "All Parma is talking of Miss Cassatt and her picture, and everyone is anxious to know her“.

Paintings

• After completing her commission for the archbishop, Cassatt traveled to Madrid and Seville, where she painted a group of paintings of Spanish subjects, including Spanish Dancer Wearing a Lace Mantilla

• Cassatt's father insisted that her studio and supplies be covered by her sales, which were still meager. Afraid of having to paint "potboilers" to make ends meet, Cassatt applied herself to produce some quality paintings for the next Impressionist exhibition. Three of her most accomplished works from 1878 were Portrait of the Artist, Little Girl in a Blue Armchair, and Reading Le Figaro