Who painted The Black Hat?

The Black Hat was painted by Mary Cassatt in 1890.

Where can I see The Black Hat?

The Black Hat is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Black Hat?

The Black Hat is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Black Hat?

Museum-quality prints of The Black Hat are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Black Hat

Mary Cassatt , 1890

The Black Hat is a pastel drawing by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1890, *The Black Hat* is a pastel drawing on tan wove paper by American-born artist Mary Cassatt. The composition presents a solitary woman in a large black hat, her blue dress and white collar set against a muted brown backdrop. The work exemplifies Cassatt’s interest in quiet, domestic portraiture during her mature period in France.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is rendered with a gentle, almost introspective expression; her gaze drifts slightly away from the viewer, suggesting a moment of private contemplation. The contrast between the dark hat and the softer tones of her face and clothing emphasizes the individuality of the sitter while hinting at the understated elegance of everyday life that Cassatt often explored.

Technique & Style

Cassatt employed soft pastel pigments on a lightly textured tan paper, allowing for delicate blending and subtle tonal shifts. The pastel medium contributes to a luminous, almost velvety surface, while the restrained palette and loose brushwork align the piece with the Impressionist emphasis on fleeting atmosphere and personal perception.

History & Provenance

Mary Cassatt, who spent most of her professional career in Paris, was closely linked to the Impressionist circle, exhibiting with them from the 1870s onward.

Mary Cassatt, who spent most of her professional career in Paris, was closely linked to the Impressionist circle, exhibiting with them from the 1870s onward. *The Black Hat* reflects the period when she was producing intimate portraits of women, a subject she revisited throughout her career. The drawing’s ownership history remains largely undocumented, typical of many works held in private collections.

Context

During the late nineteenth century, Cassatt’s focus on women’s private spheres offered a counterpoint to the public, often male-dominated narratives of the Impressionist movement. By portraying a solitary female figure in a moment of quiet reflection, the work underscores her commitment to portraying the nuanced experiences of modern women.