Women's Work

A Closer Look at Mary Cassatt

Presented by Paula Lay

Mary Cassatt was a pioneering American painter and printmaker who played a vital role in the impressionist movement. As one of the few women among the group, she broke barriers in a male-dominated art world and gave voice to women's experiences through her intimate portrayals of mothers, children, and domestic life. Her innovative use of color, light, and composition captured both tenderness and strength, influencing generations of artist who followed. Cassatt's work not only expanded the scope of impressionism but also reshaped how women were represented—and represented themselves—in art.