Exhibition “Mary Cassatt, an American impressionnist in Paris” at Jacquemart-André Museum

When we think of women impressionists, the first name that comes to our mind is of Berthe Morisot.

And supposing we took the name of her friend Mary Cassat more often? The latter was not born in any slum: she came from a rich family of American bankers from Pennsylvania. She was fortunate enough to spend her youth travelling all over Europe. Then Degas himself noticed her at the legendary Salon of 1874. Her skill at intimate portrait painting could have turned her into the Vigée Le Brun of the impressionists but their chauvinistic attitude kept her away from the movement. Also her style was a little too direct, as depicted in her stunning Japanese inspired etchings.

This exhibition, the first on such a scale dedicated to her, has on display about fifty oils paintings, pastels, drawings and etchings. Many of them depict mothers and children, her favorite topic. Mary Cassat died blind in 1926. It’s time to open our eyes and rediscover her work.

Till 23 July
Jacquemart-André Museum
158, boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris

Mary Cassatt, Petite Fille dans un fauteuil bleu,
Vers 1877-1878, Huile sur toile, 89,5 x 129,8 cm, Inv.
1983.1.18, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Collection of Mr. And Mrs. Paul Mellon © Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington