Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt (American, 1844–1926), Girl Arranging Her Hair, 1886
Oil on canvas, 75.1 x 62.5 cm (29 9/16 x 24 5/8 in.), National Gallery of Art, Chester Dale Collection, 1963.10.97.

This young woman sits at her dressing table arranging her hair. She is looking at herself in a mirror just outside the frame. Cassatt is referencing a popular tradition in European painting: male artists depicting women dressing or undressing. These works show erotic fantasies of women in private spaces. By contrast, Cassatt’s sitter is enjoying a peaceful moment of self-regard. Her ruddy complexion, large teeth, and recessed chin do not match beauty ideals of the time.

The carefully drawn pose and richly painted white shirt are set against fantastic pink, red, and mauve wallpaper. They signal the care Cassatt took with this portrait, among the most accomplished in her career.