The Essential: Mary Cassatt

by georgette-gouveia

Describes the artistic career and major works of the American Impressionist painter who is best known for her paintings of women and children.

Genres: Art

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Rebecca Noss]

I really enjoyed that this book mostly talked about her art and touched a little on her personal life. She was ahead of her time and paved the way for so many women both in the art world but also in suffrage. It also talks about her love, appreciation, and respect of other artists and art forms.

[Nathalie]

I've always enjoyed Mary Cassatt's paintings and this book revealed the woman behind those paintings. Mary Stevenson Cassatt would be comfortable in today's world as a woman who went after what she loved -- painting -- and went about to make it happen. Of course, in her days, women just didn't do these things but she was very lucky to have a well-to-do family who loved her and allowed her to pursue her dreams. I must admit I like this "Essential" format -- it cut to the chase and told me all I needed to know in a clear and concise manner.

[Diane]

Enjoyed. Gained much insight into the life and influences of a great painter.

[Rusty]

Love this little read! It is obvious that the author, Gouveia Georgette, is an admirer of this great artist. An American born of wealthy parents, she becomes attached to the French impressionists - one of two women accepted into the group. Like many, my recollections about Cassatt bring images of women and children. Georgette quickly dispels that one! Cassatt's first success was with genre paintings which show people doing something rather than sitting for a portrait. The first was 'The Mandolin Player' and while it was not the last, two others are equally appealing - 'Bacchante' and 'Torredor'. Except for her renditions of children, her subjects do not look at the artist. Their eyes, their minds and thoughts are elsewhere. I did not like the technique 'Sound Byte' used throughout the book as it doesn't seem to fit the topic of a Victorian artist nor do I always agree with the interpretation of what the subjects might be thinking. However, the works included are enchanting and the descriptions of the works equally so. Certainly Mary Cassatt was an individual and an artist many would have loved to know, including me.

[Gina Gwen]

Down and dirty quick facts about Mary Cassatt. I found a couple misspellings which I was kind of surprised about since it's such a short book. But it's a decent intro to an interesting American painter.

[Meggityb]

For my Independent Study at school