Portrait of an Elderly Lady

Portrait of an Elderly Lady was executed by Mary Cassatt in 1887. This distinctive oil on canvas work places Cassatt among the most important American artists operating abroad during the late 19th century. Created within the dynamic period of 1876 to 1900, the painting reflects the developing trends of Impressionism, specifically Cassatt’s dedicated focus on the human subject rather than pure landscape studies. Cassatt often chose subjects from the domestic sphere or captured individuals in moments of private contemplation, moving beyond traditional society portraiture.

The subject, an unidentified elderly lady, is rendered with a quiet intensity typical of Cassatt’s portraiture. The artist employs a direct, yet sympathetic approach, capturing the woman with a focus on her inner life and dignity. While details of the background are typically minimized, characteristic of the Impressionist emphasis on immediacy, the attention paid to the sitter’s expression and posture elevates the painting beyond a simple likeness. Cassatt’s command of the oil medium is evident in the nuanced handling of skin tones and textiles, prioritizing texture and light over a strict academic finish. Her technique utilizes visible, active brushstrokes to convey the character and immediacy of the moment.

As a key example of the American contribution to Impressionism, this work is recognized for its psychological realism and refined handling. The canvas currently resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it helps represent Cassatt’s artistic evolution during her critical middle period. Because many significant artworks from the late 19th century are entering or have entered the public domain, high-quality prints and reproductions of the work, such as Portrait of an Elderly Lady, are increasingly accessible for scholarly study and general appreciation. Cassatt remains a central figure in defining modern American art.