Portrait of an Elderly Lady c. 1887

Mary Cassatt's "Portrait of an Elderly Lady" is an oil painting created around 1887. It portrays an elderly woman, likely of the upper class, seated and looking directly at the viewer. She wears a dark blue coat and a green dress with a fashionable hat adorned with pink flowers. The composition is simple but impactful, highlighting the subject's poise and dignity. Cassatt was known for her depictions of women and children, particularly those within the domestic sphere. This portrait exemplifies her ability to capture both the beauty and vulnerability of her subjects with delicate brushstrokes and a subtle use of color.