The Sisters 1885

Mary Cassatt made this oil painting, "The Sisters", in the late 19th century. As a woman, Cassatt was confined to painting domestic scenes and portraits, which were considered appropriately feminine subjects. Cassatt lived and worked in France and was a member of the Impressionist group of artists. The Impressionists were known for their radical style, which was criticised for its loose brushwork. What can be seen as a progressive approach to painting became a powerful way for Cassatt to represent the nuances of human emotion. Cassatt never married and often painted women in intimate settings. Here, the two sisters appear to be quietly enjoying each other’s company. It is through the study of paintings like this and the social context of its making, that we can better understand the relationship between women artists and the institutions of art in the 19th century.