Woman with a Fan
1880 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting portrays a woman holding a large fan, with her reflection visible in a mirror behind her. It is a quintessential example of Cassatt's interest in domestic scenes and the influence of Japanese aesthetics on her work.
Did you know?
Mary Cassatt, an American artist based in Paris, was the only American invited to exhibit with the Impressionists, a group she joined at the invitation of Edgar Degas. Her work often explored the intimate, private lives of women, a subject matter that stood in stark contrast to the male-dominated artistic themes of the era. The inclusion of the mirror in this composition adds a psychological layer, reflecting not just the sitter's physical form but suggesting a moment of quiet introspection.
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Woman with a Fan
Mary Cassatt, 1880
