Artwork

Portrait of Alexander J. Cassatt and His Son, Robert Kelso Cassatt

Portrait of Alexander J. Cassatt and His Son, Robert Kelso Cassatt, by Mary Cassatt, oil, 1892
Portrait of Alexander J. Cassatt and His Son, Robert Kelso Cassatt, by Mary Cassatt, oil, 1892

Portrait of Alexander J. Cassatt and His Son, Robert Kelso Cassatt is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

This painting is called Portrait of Alexander J. Cassatt and His Son, Robert Kelso Cassatt.

It was made by Mary Cassatt in 1884. The subject of the painting is interesting because it's a family member, which might have made the painting more personal for the artist.

To learn more about the style and technique used in this painting, look into the work of the artist: Mary Cassatt.

Overview

Mary Cassatt's *Portrait of Alexander J. Cassatt and His Son, Robert Kelso Cassatt*, created in 1884, is an oil painting that exemplifies her contribution to American Impressionism.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures a tender moment between Alexander J. Cassatt, presumably a family member of the artist, and his young son, Robert. This familial subject reflects Cassatt's thematic emphasis on intimate relationships, particularly those involving children and family.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of this work are not provided, Cassatt's Impressionist approach, influenced by her association with Edgar Degas and the French Impressionist circle, likely characterized the painting's execution, emphasizing light, color, and everyday life.

History & Provenance

Originally dated to 1884, the painting's provenance and current location are not specified in available information. Cassatt's expatriate status in France during her career adds a layer of cultural context to her artistic output.

Context

This work sits within Cassatt's broader oeuvre focused on women, children, and domestic scenes. Her involvement with the Impressionist movement, despite being an American in France, positioned her uniquely within both artistic and social contexts.

Legacy

The painting contributes to Cassatt's legacy as a foremost painter of familial and maternal themes within Impressionism, though its individual impact compared to her more renowned works (e.g., those featuring mothers and children) is not detailed in provided sources.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mary Cassatt

Artist

Mary Cassatt

Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.