Portrait of a Young Girl (Simone) 1903

Mary Cassatt rendered this portrait of a young girl, named Simone, with pastel on paper. As a successful woman artist working in late 19th-century France, Cassatt challenged social norms, particularly those enforced by institutions like the Parisian Salon. While many of her impressionist colleagues focused on public life, Cassatt concentrated on the private sphere, especially the lives of women and children. In this pastel, Cassatt's distinctive style shines through in the work's seeming informality and unposed presentation. This naturalism reflects the broader cultural shift towards valuing childhood innocence and individuality. Yet, one should keep in mind the socio-economic context of Cassatt’s work. Her subjects belonged to the upper classes, and her ability to depict them stemmed from her own privileged position. To understand Cassatt fully, we can examine period journals, letters, and exhibition reviews. These sources illuminate the artist's world, her intentions, and the critical response to her work, underscoring how social conditions profoundly influence artistic production and interpretation.