In much of their work Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot portrayed women and children. Some scholars suggest that Cassatt’s and Morisot’s subject matter was restricted by their gender, although their paintings also highlight the importance of women as wives and mothers. Select an image of Mary Cassatt or Berthe Morisot and discuss how you feel about the work. Does the work feel restricted by gender or does it move beyond simply a painting of a mother and child? Please include an image of your chosen work in the first post.
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Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot portrayed women and children
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While the subject matter falls within the realm of women's domestic experience, I don't believe it feels restricted by gender. The painting transcends the portrayal of motherhood as merely a biological function. Instead, it captures the emotional connection and unspoken communication between caregiver and child, highlighting the tenderness and nurturing aspects of caregiving regardless of gender. The focus on the physical act of bathing also suggests a commentary on hygiene and childcare practices of the time, offering a glimpse into the realities of daily life for mothers and children.
Berthe Morisot, "The Cradle" (1872):
Berthe Morisot's "The Cradle" depicts a young mother gazing lovingly at her sleeping infant in a cradle. The mother's relaxed posture and serene expression convey a sense of peace and contentment. The soft light filtering through the window illuminates the scene, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and tenderness. The focus on the mother-child bond is undeniable, yet the painting doesn't feel limited by its domestic setting.
The artwork's Impressionist style, characterized by loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors, imbues the scene with a sense of immediacy and subjectivity. The viewer becomes an observer of the private moment, sharing in the mother's quiet joy and protectiveness. While the subject matter adheres to traditional portrayals of motherhood, the artist's technique and focus on light and atmosphere elevate it to a more nuanced and evocative depiction of maternal love.
In conclusion, both Cassatt and Morisot's paintings, while featuring women and children, go beyond simply portraying mothers and their domestic roles. They capture the emotional depth and tenderness of caregiving, offering insightful glimpses into the lives of women and children in their respective eras. By transcending the limitations of traditional genre painting, these works offer valuable commentaries on social norms, human connection, and the universality of maternal love.
Sample Answer
Mary Cassatt, "The Child's Bath" (1893):
In Mary Cassatt's "The Child's Bath," we see a mother, likely a maid, carefully washing a young child in a simple metal basin. The mother's face is obscured, but her gentle touch and attentive gaze convey her care and tenderness. The child, bathed in warm sunlight streaming through the window, appears relaxed and content. The scene is intimate and domestic, yet the cropped composition and focus on the act of bathing imbue it with a sense of quiet dignity.
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