Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker who was part of the group of Impressionists working in and around Paris. She is well known for depicting the intimate lives of contemporary women, especially in their roles as the caretakers of children. After moving to Paris in 1874, Cassatt befriended Edgar Degas and experimented in painting with bright colors inspired by the outdoors. In addition to her mastery of both drawing and painting, Cassatt was an innovator in the medium of pastels. Mary is also largely responsible for selecting the works that make up the H.O. Havemeyer Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.