Lydia Cassatt in a Green Bonnet and a Coat 1880

Mary Cassatt captured this intimate portrait of her sister, Lydia, using oil paint on canvas. Cassatt's loose brushwork and sketch-like quality emphasize the immediacy of the scene. She worked wet-on-wet, blending colors directly on the canvas. Look closely, and you'll see how the visible brushstrokes animate the surface, giving life to Lydia's form. Cassatt used expressive strokes to describe textures of the bonnet and coat, creating a tactile experience for the viewer. The application of paint is quite rapid, reflecting the influence of Impressionism. The materiality of oil paint allowed Cassatt to build up layers of color, creating depth and luminosity. The fluid nature of the paint lends itself to capturing fleeting moments and impressions. Ultimately, understanding the material qualities of oil paint and Cassatt's innovative techniques allows for a deeper appreciation of her artistic vision. It also bridges the gap between traditional art and the hands-on processes of craft.