Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt was an American artist born in 1844. She moved to France when she grew up. There, she became one of the only American artists to join a group called the Impressionists. She painted many pictures of families. Her art is still loved today.

Her Paintings

Cassatt painted soft, gentle scenes. She liked to show mothers holding babies and kids playing. She used bright colors and quick brush strokes. This style is called Impressionism. Her paintings showed the everyday lives of women and children in a new way.

Her Life

Cassatt studied art in Pennsylvania when she was young. Then she moved to Paris to learn more. She became friends with a famous painter named Edgar Degas. She worked hard at a time when many people thought women should not be artists. She proved that women could make great art.

Fun Facts

• Cassatt helped rich Americans buy French paintings for their homes.
• She also made beautiful prints using a method from Japan.
• She never got married and spent her life making art.

Did You Know?

Mary Cassatt kept painting even after her eyes got very weak later in life.