Margot in Blue 1902

Mary Cassatt captured this young girl, Margot, in oil paint with quick, light marks, somewhere around the late 19th century. The blues in this painting aren’t just blue, they’re alive. Look closely—the brushstrokes seem to dance across the canvas, especially in the dress, creating a shimmering effect. It’s like Cassatt is showing us how light itself moves and changes. The layers of paint are built up to make the fabric appear voluminous, yet the effect is light and airy. See how the background is blurred and undefined? This pushes Margot forward, making her presence all the more immediate. Cassatt focuses on the fleeting expressions of childhood, a bit like how Manet captured modern life. She isn’t just painting a portrait; she’s capturing a feeling, an instant. Cassatt's modern approach, focusing on the everyday, sets her apart.