Gardner Held by his Mother 1887 - 1890

Mary Cassatt, an American artist who lived and worked in France, made this print called "Gardner Held by his Mother." Cassatt was part of the Impressionist movement, which sought to capture everyday life and fleeting moments. As a woman in the late 19th century, her access to public spaces and subjects was limited; this print reflects the domestic sphere to which she and many other women were confined. Yet, within these constraints, Cassatt found a powerful subject. "Gardner Held by his Mother" offers an intimate portrayal of the bond between a mother and child. Unlike the sentimental Madonnas of the past, Cassatt's depiction is grounded in the realities of motherhood. There’s a sense of quiet strength and mutual dependence. What do you feel when looking at this work? Is it familiarity, discomfort, warmth? Cassatt invites us to consider the significance of these often-overlooked relationships and challenges us to find value in the everyday.