Mary Stevenson Cassatt (22 May, 1844 – 14 June, 1926) was born in Pennsylvania, USA, although she spent her adult life in France after traveling there to study art in 1866. She was a painter and a reputable printmaker. While in Europe, she became a close friend to Edgar Degas, who inspired her and allowed her to showcase her work alongside those of Degas’ fellow impressionist painters in 1879. She would later join them in shows held in 1880, 1881, and 1886. Cassatt’s subjects were varied, but she mainly depicted public and private moments as well as mothers Caring for their children. She attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts between 1861 and 1865. In Europe, she learned drawing and traveled to different cities such as Berlin, Paris, and London. It’s during these trips that she learned French and German. Unlike many artists whose art was mainly rejected, she managed to have her art showcased at the Paris Salon in 1872 and a few times after.
At some point in her career, Cassatt’s focus switched from realism to impressionism, pushing her closer to other impressionist artists. She decided to live permanently in Paris, so she established her studio there. Her friendship with Degas inspired and somewhat influenced her work. Cassatt was creative in her exploitation of pastel, a knack that made the quality of her works more appealing. Over time, she switched from form to lines and the expression of diverse patterns. Although Americans didn’t quite appreciate the French impressionist works, she lobbying her well off American friends, relatives, and associates to purchase impressionist art, leading to greater penetration of the style in America. Cassatt’s works are still displayed in different museums. Mary Stevenson Cassatt framed art are also found in galleries across the globe and have been used in homes, offices and centers among other settings.