“The Barefoot Child,” executed in pastel in the year 1897 by the artist Mary Cassatt, represents a prime example of genre painting within the Impressionism movement. With dimensions of 71.12 by 53.34 cm, this artwork can be found within the collection of the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, located in Brunswick, Maine, United States.
The artwork portrays an intimate domestic scene, featuring a caregiver, potentially the child’s mother or a nurse, and a young child positioned centrally and bathed in soft light. The child appears to be lying in the caregiver’s lap, while the caregiver holds the child tenderly yet securely, suggesting a moment of nurture and affection. The child is depicted barefoot, as indicated by the title, drawing attention to the youthful innocence and vulnerability.
Cassatt’s use of pastel has imbued the artwork with rich, vibrant colors that accentuate the warmth of the intimate moment shared between the figures. The strokes of pastel create a textured surface that captures the fleeting effects of light and color, a hallmark of Impressionist technique. The background is suffused with a warm, reddish hue that contrasts sharply with the cool tones of the figures’ garments, creating a visual juxtaposition that directs the viewer’s focus onto the central subjects.
Cassatt’s contribution to the genre of Impressionism is evident in this piece, demonstrating her focus on the subtle interplay of color and light, as well as her enduring interest in themes of motherhood and the social roles of women. The serene expression on the caregiver’s face and the relaxed posture of the child radiate a sense of calm and contentment, capturing a moment of everyday life with poignant simplicity.
