The artwork titled “Jules Being Dried by His Mother” is an oil on canvas painting created by Mary Cassatt in 1900. This painting is an exemplary work from the Impressionist movement, capturing a genre painting scene within its dimensions of 73 x 92.7 cm. The artwork is notable for its intimate portrayal of maternal care and resides within a private collection.
Delving into the artwork’s details, it depicts a tender moment between a mother and her child, exemplifying Cassatt’s interest in scenes of domestic life and the social and private lives of women. The mother, dressed in a yellow-patterned gown with a cream undergarment showing at her shoulder, is gently drying her young son, Jules, after a bath. He stands in front of her, his stance slightly shy and reserved, as his mother attentively dries his left leg.
The figures are painted with soft, loose brushstrokes that are characteristic of the Impressionist style, which sought to capture the fleeting effects of light and color. Cassatt’s use of light in the artwork highlights the child’s delicate skin and the texture of the mother’s dress, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. The background remains neutral and nondescript, allowing the viewer to focus on the connection between the figures—a nuanced display of the everyday, personal moments that define human experience and familial bonds.
