The Intimate World of Mary Cassatt

Discover the world of Mary Cassatt at M.S. Rau, an American painter and printmaker, where her celebrated depictions of domestic life and the feminine experience come to life. As one of the most important women in the Impressionist movement, Cassatt’s art captures the tender moments of a mother and child, portraiture, and everyday life with elegance and subtle emotional depth. Our curated collection highlights her distinctive approach to portraiture and pastels, characterized by soft brushwork and a nuanced portrayal of mothers, children and family bonds.

Cassatt’s Masterful Painting Portrayal of Women and Children

Mary Cassatt was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Paris to pursue her adult life in France. Her delicate use of light, coupled with an attentive observation of expression and gesture, allows her to convey an extraordinary sense of connection and warmth. Each work in our collection reflects her ability to capture the essence of her subjects, celebrating the quiet beauty of everyday life. She also was one of the most important Impressionists, the only American to exhibit with the core group, including Oscar-Claude Monet and Edgar Degas. It was through Degas that she first picked up pastel, a medium in which she truly became a master. Cassatt became a master of pastels and created a celebrated series of prints inspired by Japanese woodblock prints. 

M.S. Rau: Celebrating Iconic Impressionists and their Artworks

Today, her work is widely celebrated, with her masterpieces held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, National Gallery of Art,  Art Institute of Chicago and more. M.S. Rau is honored to offer a collection of Mary Cassatt’s works, each one an embodiment of her role in redefining women’s place in art. Visit our New Orleans gallery or explore online to experience the timeless allure of Cassatt’s paintings and pastels.