Ellen Mary Cassatt with a Large Bow in Her Hair 1909

Curator: Here we have Mary Cassatt’s "Ellen Mary Cassatt with a Large Bow in Her Hair," painted in 1909. Cassatt was known for her depictions of women and children, particularly focusing on their domestic lives. Editor: There's such an unguarded serenity about this. The way she catches the light is absolutely magical, imbuing this girl, Ellen, with a calm stillness, don't you think? Curator: I agree. Cassatt's technique is important to consider here. Look closely, you'll notice the loose, almost unfinished brushstrokes—characteristic of Impressionism. It speaks to a certain method of production, challenging academic ideals. The rapid application captures a fleeting moment, while reflecting on the labour of portraying the leisured classes. Editor: It's like a glimpse of a soul captured on canvas. Notice the way the lavender bow on the dress is echoed by that large, rather jaunty one in her hair. And the gold background almost fades into abstraction. I love how the immediacy pulls me right into the moment with her. The lack of clear edges softens her expression as if her feelings and thoughts are blending into our own. Curator: Absolutely, and Cassatt’s choice of oil paint also contributes significantly. The texture and depth afforded by the medium help to bring out the softness of the young girl’s features while also being read as a common commercial choice by artists due to its relatively low price point. The visible brushstrokes challenge conventional hierarchies within art. It's not just what is represented but how it is made that matters. Editor: For me, it is the eyes. Those calm, knowing eyes seem to look right through time. There's something eternally youthful about that gaze. I feel as if Ellen, herself, knew more about Cassatt and her world. And of course I know this portrait will last. Curator: Seeing Cassatt's work with new eyes truly underscores her understanding of the materials at hand, from the oils she manipulates to the societal structures that governed artistic production. Editor: And it underscores how paintings become companions through life, whispering truths across the years.