The artwork titled “Woman with a Pearl Necklace” is an oil on canvas painting created by the artist Mary Cassatt in 1879, while she was in Paris, France. This work exemplifies the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements and measures 58.4 x 80.9 centimeters. As a portrait and genre painting, it captures an intimate scene of a woman. Currently, this piece is housed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
The artwork depicts a young woman elegantly seated, adorned with a pearl necklace that lends the painting its name. Her attire suggests a formal occasion, possibly an outing to the theatre, indicated by the fan she holds and the soft pink tones of her dress, which is detailed with delicate flowers. The gentle brush strokes and luminous quality of light, characteristic of Impressionism, are evident in her skin and dress, reflecting the movement’s focus on capturing the transient effects of light.
In the background, a chandelier casts diffused glimmers of light, and spectators in an opera box can be glimpsed, adding depth and context to the woman’s environment. The soft forms and dappled colors create a sense of immediacy and sensory engagement, a testament to Cassatt’s skill in portraying the social and private lives of women with sensitivity and richness of expression.
