As an American woman in 19th century Paris, Mary Cassatt was an unlikely force in the French Impressionist movement. Today, Cassatt is known for her intimate studies of women and children. Readers discover how Cassatt independently forged her artistic path, despite the restrictions female artists faced at that time. Full-color photographs trace the evolution of Cassatt''s work as it elevated everyday women''s lives to the realm of fine art. Readers explore the artistic and historic contexts for Cassatt''s work through detailed text and sidebars, while annotated excerpts from personal letters and other primary sources illuminate Cassatt''s life and legacy.
