Smiling Margot Wearing a Ruffled Bonnet

Smiling Margot Wearing a Ruffled Bonnet by Mary Cassatt, executed in 1902, is a sensitive preparatory study utilizing graphite over red chalk on wove paper. This drawing exemplifies Cassatt's dedication to mastering the depiction of childhood innocence and expression during the peak of her career. The work functions as a key artifact documenting the artist’s process; the red chalk was likely used to establish the initial structure and warmth of the figure, over which the fine graphite lines define the nuanced contours of the face and the texture of the ruffled bonnet. This combination of mediums highlights Cassatt's sophisticated draftsmanship in the American tradition.

The subject, Margot, is believed to be one of the professional child models frequently employed by Cassatt in the early 20th century. Here, she is captured mid-smile, the lively expression drawing attention to her direct gaze. Although living and working primarily in France, Cassatt remained a key figure in American art during the period 1901 to 1925, synthesizing French Impressionist techniques with her distinctly personal focus on domestic intimacy and the individual psychology of her subjects. Cassatt’s ability to capture the fleeting moments of a child’s personality distinguishes her late-career output.

As a primary example of Cassatt’s drawing skill, this piece resides within the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art. It serves as valuable evidence of her working method, showing how she refined compositions before moving to more intensive mediums like oil or pastel. Because this celebrated drawing is now classified as a public domain artwork, it is widely accessible for scholarship and appreciation. High-quality prints derived from the original image are frequently utilized in art history education, solidifying Cassatt’s legacy as a premier American draftsman focused on the modern woman and child.