Maternal Caress

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: Maternal Caress. nn This heartwarming print, created by Mary Cassatt in 1891, beautifully captures the tender bond between a mother and her child. Cassatt, an American artist who spent much of her career in France, was a key figure in the Impressionist movement. She was particularly drawn to depicting the everyday lives of women and children, often focusing on the intimate moments shared between mothers and their little ones. nn In Maternal Caress, we see a mother cradling her young child closely. The child, nestled against their mother's chest, is barely visible, emphasizing the closeness of their embrace. The mother's loving gaze is focused downward on her child, her expression serene and full of warmth. Cassatt masterfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and intimacy. The soft, muted colors—predominantly pinks, yellows, and creams—further enhance the tenderness of the scene. nn The composition is simple yet powerful, drawing our attention to the central figures and the deep affection they share. The glimpse of a bed in the background hints at the everyday domestic setting, further emphasizing the universality of this tender moment. Maternal Caress, housed here at the National Gallery of Art, is a testament to Cassatt's skill in capturing the quiet beauty of human connection and the enduring strength of a mother's love.