Edgar Degas and his influence on the art of Mary Cassatt Essay

bloody shame St pointson Cassatts Miss Mary Ellison (1880) and Edgar-Hilaire-Germain degass Mademoiselle Malo (1877) atomic number 18 two paintings that, when comp ared and contrasted, shows numbers of find outs that Degas had on Mary Cassatts art. Both of these paintings are portraits done in tbe standard point of view. Even at a mere glance, it is easy to see the striking similarities between the two portraits. It is non too farfetched to assume that Degas had a lot of influence on Mary Cassatts work because it is known that he was one of her biggest inspirations (W bothis, 14). Furthermore, even within the Impressionist group the bond that Degas and Cassatt shared was an crucial one to her, since she looked up to him as a model artist (Englemann, 80). Mary Cassatt was born in Philadelphia to Robert Simpson Cassatt and Katherine Johnston Cassatt in1844 (Mathews, 9). Her father was a wealthy banker and her mother was conditioned and spoke french fluently (Wallis,14). They we re both part of the upper circles of the Pittsburg golf club (Mathews ,9). As such(prenominal), they had a vested interest in providing their children with the best of educational and cultural experiences (Mathews, 9) Cassatts interest in art, seems to originate from a 5 year abide that the family took in 1851 (Wallis, 14). Although only a mere child at the time, it seems the behave life appealed the young Cassatt furthermore, the sights she saw must have deeply abnormal her because she would soon return to the life abroad (Mathews,9) As a stripling she studied art privately and later as an adult she be the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine arts (Wallis, 14). She was able to practice art and complete her studies with the support of her fathers finances. Although he d... ...ferent continent, the paths of Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt intertwined much. In her indorse stay in Europe as an expatriate, Degas took his role as her guide and mentor. She, having been inspired and motivated by Degass work accepted with enthrall (Wallis, 14). Degas took an active role in encouraging her and inspiring her, he often worked with her and alongside with her, and sometimes he even helped her with the artwork such was the case with Little Girl in a blue armchair, Degas worked on the background. (Mathews, 45). The two had a long professional relationship that survived all the way until Degass death and even in his death she revered him as an artist (Mathews, 45). Since Degas was her mentor and guide, it is expected that he had influenced her art, and he did. However, it is move that he begun influencing her art, even before the two ever met.