Mother Holding Up a Baby Who Pats her Cheek c. 1897

Curator: This tender drawing is by Mary Cassatt, entitled "Mother Holding Up a Baby Who Pats her Cheek." It captures a mother and child in a private moment. Editor: It feels so intimate, almost like a secret is being shared. The soft lines create a sense of warmth and vulnerability. Curator: Cassatt often focused on the lives of women and children, challenging the male gaze prevalent in art. She was a keen observer of social dynamics. Editor: Absolutely. This image disrupts the traditional Madonna and Child trope by emphasizing the reciprocal affection. It's about female agency, not just maternal duty. Curator: And it does so within the very restrictive social and artistic climate of the late 19th century. Cassatt uses her art as a form of social commentary. Editor: It makes you wonder, how many untold stories of women were finally given a voice through her art? Curator: Indeed. Cassatt's work offers insight into the private sphere of women's lives and the politics embedded in their everyday experiences. Editor: A poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for visibility and representation.