Portrait of Alexander J. Cassat and His Son Robert Kelso Cassatt 1885

This is Mary Cassatt's painting of her brother, Alexander, and his son, Robert. The work provides an interesting view into gender and class dynamics of the late 19th century. Cassatt, as a woman artist, often focused on domestic scenes. Yet, here, she depicts a decidedly masculine subject – a father and son in a moment of quiet intimacy. The painting challenges conventional representations of masculinity by presenting tenderness rather than heroic action. Alexander is shown engaged in the intellectual activity of reading, not in business or politics, highlighting the nuances within gender roles. There's also a commentary on class: the subjects' clothing and the interior setting indicate a comfortable, upper-class existence, reinforcing the idea of leisure and domesticity as privileges. The subdued color palette adds to the seriousness of the subjects. The emotional depth of the painting lies in the subtle connection between father and son, a connection that transcends societal expectations and touches on the universal experience of familial bonds.