Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt was born on May 22, 1844, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania (now part of Pittsburgh). She was a renowned American painter and printmaker, known for her paintings of women and children. Cassatt became one of the leading figures in the Impressionist movement, despite being an American expatriate. Her early life and training took her to Paris, where she developed friendships with key artists like Edgar Degas.

In 1877, Mary Cassatt was invited by Edgar Degas to join the Impressionists, a group of innovative artists in Paris. That year she exhibited with them, becoming one of only a few women in the group and the sole American. Her inclusion in these exhibitions marked a significant point in her career, as she was given the recognition she needed outside of the official Salon system.

In 1893, Mary Cassatt was commissioned to paint a mural for the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair. Her mural 'Modern Woman' was one of the highlights of the Woman's Building, a project designed to showcase women's achievements. This work reinforced Cassatt's reputation as a leading artist who contributed to the cultural discourse on women's roles.

In 1894, Mary Cassatt's painting 'The Boating Party' was purchased by the French government for the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris. This was a notable achievement for Cassatt as it marked the first time the French government acquired one of her paintings, indicating her acceptance and recognition as a significant artist in the art world, particularly in the hub of Impressionism.

In 1915, Mary Cassatt participated in the 'Woman's Suffrage Exhibition' in New York, which aimed to raise awareness and funds for the women's suffrage movement. Cassatt contributed works to the exhibition, lending her high-profile support to the cause. This participation underscored her belief in women's rights and mirrored themes of empowerment and independence present in her art.

By 1917, Mary Cassatt's career as an active painter came to an end due to deteriorating eyesight caused by cataracts and diabetes. Unable to produce art, Cassatt nonetheless remained an influential figure in the art world through her role as a mentor to younger artists. Her legacy continued through her contributions to major art collections and institutions.

Mary Cassatt passed away on June 14, 1926, in Le Mesnil-Théribus, France, where she had lived for many years. Her death marked the end of an era for the Impressionist movement, of which she had been a crucial part. Cassatt's work was significant in promoting the role of women in art, both as subjects and creators, and her influence continues to be felt today in art circles.

In 1970, the first major retrospective exhibition of Mary Cassatt's work was held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. This exhibition helped to revive interest in her contributions to the Impressionist movement and feminist art. It presented an extensive collection of her work, reaffirming her legacy as one of the leading American artists and a pioneer among women artists.

In 1998, the New York Public Library showcased an exhibition dedicated to Mary Cassatt's work. This exhibition featured her exploration of the themes of mother and child, which were prominent in her oeuvre. It provided a comprehensive look at her artistic development over her career and highlighted her printmaking skills, one of the many areas in which she excelled.

In 2008, Google commemorated Mary Cassatt with a special Google Doodle on what would have been her 164th birthday. This doodle brought attention to Cassatt's impact in the field of art, particularly her role in the Impressionist movement and her focus on the lives and experiences of women. Such recognition by large platforms underscores her enduring influence and relevance.