The artwork “Little girl with cap Sun” by Mary Cassatt illustrates the remarkable characteristics of the Impressionism movement, of which Cassatt was a prominent practitioner. A portrait by genre, it encapsulates the artist’s acute observational prowess and the capacity to capture the nuances of human expression.
In this artwork, Cassatt portrays a young girl in a candid and tender moment. The child’s gaze is directed slightly away from the viewer, prompting contemplation about what has captured her attention. One can observe the softness of the child’s features and the gentle handling of light and shadow, common to the impressionistic style, which add an air of sensitivity to this portrait. The artwork conveys a sense of intimacy, suggesting a familiar or domestic setting rather than a formal portrait session. The artist has expertly rendered the textures of the girl’s attire, notably her cap, which provides a dramatic contrast with its bold bow sitting atop her head. Cassatt’s rendering of the child’s nuanced expression invites viewers to ponder the child’s thoughts, while the delicate line work reflects both the artist’s skill and the intrinsic spontaneity of impressionist drawing. The unfinished look and gestural qualities of the lines are deliberately evocative of the fleeting nature of childhood and the impressionist desire to capture a moment in time.
