Mary Cassatt, Modern Woman

by Erica E. Hirshler, Judith A. Barter

Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) holds a unique place in the history of art. One of the few women artists to succeed professionally in her era, she was the only American invited to exhibit with the French Impressionists. This handsome volume, richly illustrated with paintings, prints, and pastels spanning Cassatt's entire career, accompanies a major traveling exhibition that opens at The Art Institute of Chicago in October 1998. Essays trace Cassatt's development from her early influences through her critical role in bringing Old Master and Impressionist art to the United States. The superb colorplates clearly demonstrate why Cassatt is considered one of North America's most important artists. Supplementary works by Cassatt's contemporaries are reproduced along with numerous photographs and the first complete list of exhibitions in which Cassatt participated in her lifetime. The exhibition travels to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Ju

Genres: Art, Biography

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succeeds in being a gorgeous book full of full page nicely done color reproductions including much of her lesser known work and photos and ephemera from her life. But doesn't stop there, with essays by different writers on her life in the art world, relationships. with other artists (juicy art gossip alert,) and more. Unless you are as student of Cassatt I think you will come away amazed at what you learn. Once the token female impressionist this book proves her work and life make the fellows look downright pedestrian.
This huge tome was released in conjunction with the Art Institute of Chicago's exhibit in 1998.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a big, heavy coffee-table book full of information about her life and process. It was a bit dry at times and for some reason I was a bit put off by how many examples of Degas' works were displayed. I understand their deep connection, but this was supposed to be a book about her. I suppose I was just eager to get to her beautiful paintings, and I was finally rewarded in the last several pages of the book. I've been blessed to see many of them on our travels and enjoyed a special exhibit in NY. Pictures of paintings never really capture the original works, but are the next best thing. Her paintings are soooooo lovely.