Sketch of Anne and Her Nurse 1897

Mary Cassatt created "Sketch of Anne and Her Nurse" with oil on canvas. Cassatt, an American expatriate, defied societal expectations by becoming a celebrated Impressionist painter in late 19th-century France. Within the social constraints of her time, Cassatt focused on domestic scenes, particularly those of women and children. Here, the intimacy and bond between Anne and her nurse are palpable. The nurse, possibly of a lower social class, is central, challenging conventional class-based artistic representation. Cassatt never married nor had children, dedicating herself to her art, she once stated "It is true that I am feministe. I don't mean a 'fighting feministe' ". "Sketch of Anne and Her Nurse" reflects her investment in exploring the emotional depths of female relationships. This artwork offers a glimpse into the private lives of women and children, subtly subverting traditional artistic norms and inviting us to consider the complex dynamics of care, class, and companionship.