Girl Arranging Her Hair

Girl Arranging Her Hair, painted by Mary Cassatt in 1886, is a definitive example of her mature style, which focused intently on the unidealized portrayal of private, domestic life. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting demonstrates the artist's skillful adaptation of French Impressionist techniques, characterized by loose, visible brushwork and a keen interest in the effects of natural light.

The composition intimately captures a young woman engrossed in the everyday task suggested by the title. Cassatt avoids theatrical narrative, instead elevating this quiet, reflective moment into a subject worthy of serious contemplation. The focus is placed entirely on the figure and her self-absorption, prioritizing psychological depth over mere depiction. Created during the pivotal period spanning 1876 to 1900, the work stands as a testament to the artist's ability to inject modern sensibilities into traditional portraiture, asserting her unique voice within the mostly male circle of Parisian avant-garde painters.

Though residing in Europe for most of her career, Cassatt maintained her cultural identity, becoming one of the most celebrated American artists of her time. Her choice of subject matter often provided a unique, unfiltered view into the inner world and rituals of contemporary women, a perspective few male painters could authentically access. This work resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is regarded as a vital representation of American Impressionism. As the original canvas is now in the public domain due to its age, high-quality reproductions and fine art prints of this important piece are widely available, allowing researchers and enthusiasts to study Cassatt’s masterful technique globally.