A Kiss for Baby Anne (no. 3) 1897

Mary Cassatt made this artwork in pastel, a medium consisting of powdered pigment, around the late 19th century. Pastels provide a directness not always seen in painting. The artist applies the color directly to the support, building up layers of pigment to create subtle gradations of tone. Note how the softness of the pastel lends itself to rendering the tenderness of the subject, a mother kissing her child. The powdery texture of the pastel creates a gentle, almost dreamlike quality. The use of pastel was embraced by many female artists of the time, as it was considered a more delicate and refined medium than oil paint, aligning with societal expectations of women's artistic pursuits. Cassatt elevates this medium, demonstrating her mastery and challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world. Through her skilled use of materials and focus on domestic subjects, Cassatt redefined the boundaries of fine art.