Shop art print and framed art A Goodnight Hug by Mary Cassatt

Girl Arranging Her Hair is an 1886 painting by American artist Mary Cassatt. The painting currently is in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C. It was originally exhibited at the Eighth and last Impressionist exhibition, which opened on May 15, 1886. The painting is a departure from Cassatt's usual style in its increased emphasis on drawing and control. Born from a debate with Edgar Degas, who doubted women's artistic abilities, the painting reflects Cassatt's successful attempt to prove him wrong. Degas, captivated by the piece's blend of classical and contemporary styles, acquired it for his collection. The artwork portrays a young girl preparing for bed, challenging norms by acknowledging her awkwardness and self-consciousness. Cassatt deliberately chose an unconventional subject, experimenting with the simultaneous depiction of ugliness and beauty, a technique acquired from Degas. The painting's mastery lies in Cassatt's adept handling of form, composition, color, and light. Girl Arranging Her Hair was the product of a debate between Cassatt and Edgar Degas, a good friend of hers and fellow Impressionist. Degas remarked that women did not have style in the arts, and Cassatt took Girl Arranging Her Hair as an opportunity to prove him wrong. Cassatt worked tirelessly on the piece, as revealed from a remark from Mr. Cassat on April 14, 1886: Cassatt’s attempts at proving her style were successful, as Degas's fascination with the piece led to his [...]

 

This artwork is a drawing from the modern period. It belongs to the impressionism style.

 

« A Goodnight Hug » is kept at Private collection.

 

Find the full description of A Goodnight Hug by Mary Cassatt on Wikipedia.