The Fitting

Welcome, everyone, to the National Gallery of Art. Today, we're looking at a captivating glimpse into the past with Mary Cassatt's "The Fitting," a print made in 1890. nn The scene unfolds in a room bathed in soft light, where three women are engaged in the intimate ritual of a dress fitting. Two women, likely a client and a dressmaker, stand facing each other, their striped dresses echoing the patterns of the wallpaper behind them. The dressmaker delicately adjusts the client's dress, her focused expression highlighting the importance of a perfect fit. A third woman, perhaps an assistant, bends down, her attention absorbed in the flowing fabric of the skirt. nn Cassatt masterfully uses light and shadow to bring depth and texture to the scene. Notice how the folds of the dresses seem to ripple and flow, emphasizing the elegance of the moment. The composition, with its focus on the interaction between the women, feels incredibly natural and intimate, drawing us into their world. nn "The Fitting" is more than just a depiction of a mundane event; it's a testament to the bonds between women and the artistry of dressmaking. Cassatt, a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, was known for her portrayals of women's lives, often focusing on private, domestic scenes like this one. Through her art, she elevated the everyday, revealing the beauty and significance in the ordinary.