Jules Standing by His Mother 1901

Mary Cassatt made this painting of Jules standing by his mother with oil on canvas. Isn't it interesting how Cassatt’s brushstrokes kind of dance around the edges of the figures? I love how she uses these soft, blurry lines that give the whole scene a dreamy, intimate vibe, and the way the light gently illuminates their faces pulls you right into their world. If you look closely at Jules’s little arm, you can see how Cassatt uses layers of transparent paint to give his skin this warm, glowing quality. It's like she's capturing not just what they look like but how it feels to be in their presence. Cassatt’s work often reminds me of Berthe Morisot, another painter who explored similar themes of domestic life and the inner lives of women. Both artists used loose brushwork and a delicate touch to capture the fleeting moments of everyday existence.