Bacchante 1872

Mary Cassatt’s Bacchante presents a vibrant depiction of a woman, probably made in the late 19th century, using oil on canvas. Notice the expressive brushwork, visible in the highlights on her skin and drapery. The application of paint becomes a tactile element, building form and texture. Cassatt’s engagement with classical subject matter reflects a deliberate choice. Her depiction challenges traditional academic styles while embracing sensuality. Consider the social context: during this time, women artists were breaking into the art world, often confronting gendered expectations in both subject matter and technique. Cassatt's choice to portray a Bacchante, a figure associated with ecstatic revelry, challenges the more conventional, demure roles often assigned to women in art. The painting isn't just an image; it is a material record of artistic labor, imbued with social and cultural meaning that extends beyond the surface representation.