Artwork
Woman and Child
Woman and Child is an oil painting by Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Created circa 1894, this oil painting portrays a woman cradling a child in a quiet domestic setting.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1894, this oil painting portrays a woman cradling a child in a quiet domestic setting. The figures are rendered with soft modeling against a warm, muted backdrop, emphasizing the closeness of the pair. The composition centers on the tender interaction, inviting viewers to observe a private moment of affection.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on the intimate bond between mother and child, a recurring theme in the artist’s oeuvre. The woman's hair is gathered back and her simple attire suggests everyday life, while the child's relaxed posture and gentle lean against the adult convey a sense of trust and familial comfort.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting employs loose brushwork that creates texture in both the background and the figures’ clothing. Subtle variations of light and shadow model the forms, while the warm tonal palette unifies the scene. The approach reflects the artist’s Impressionist affiliation, emphasizing atmosphere over precise detail.
History & Provenance
The American-born painter, who spent most of her career in France, produced this piece during the later phase of her association with the Impressionist circle, alongside contemporaries such as Edgar Degas. The painting has remained in private collections since its creation, with documented exhibitions in the early 20th century highlighting its representation of domestic intimacy.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
