Mary Cassatt: A Life [Paperback]

Professor Nancy Mowll Mathews (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 1998

One of the few women Impressionists, Mary Cassatt (1844-19226) had a life of paradoxes: American born, she lived and workeed in France, a clasically trained artist, she preferred thecompany of radicals; never married, she painted exquisite and beloved portraits of mothers and children. This book provides new insight into the personal life and artistic endeavors of this extraordinary woman.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

At the age of 21, Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) disregarded the opposition of her wealthy Pennsylvania family and went to France to study painting, remaining there for most of her life. In this admirable biography, art historian Mathews ( Mary Cassatt: The Color Prints ) presents a compelling portrait of this contradictory woman. Cassatt joined the impressionists but always lived as a well-bred lady, never as a bohemian; gained fame with sensitive portraits of mothers and children yet never married or had children; and was frequently visited by family and friends from the U.S. who became caught up in her brilliant career in spite of her difficult and outspoken personality. Concentrating on Cassatt's devotion to her work and her often stormy personal relationships, including her friendships with the irascible painter Edgar Degas as well as with numerous wealthy Americans, some of whom she helped to acquire collections of impressionist art, Mathews treats Cassatt as a thoroughly professional painter, and shows how this single-minded and independent woman set her sights on high artistic goals and spent her life attaining them. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Although several monographs and many shorter works have been written about America's expatriate artist Mary Cassatt, this most recent effort by Nancy Mowll Mathews (art history, Williams Coll.) is an evenly written, well-documented, and sympathetic--but not patronizing--biography that should be acquired by most libraries. Though very few of the many illustrations will be new to Cassatt devotees, the final chapter--"The Historical Cassatt"--provides an insightful overview of the various popular and scholarly interpretations of Cassatt the feminist/individualist vs. Cassatt the genteel woman/artist. Recommended for public and academic libraries. (Index not seen.)-- P. Steven Thomas, Sangamon State Univ., Springfield, Ill.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 394 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; Trade edition (September 10, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300077548
• ISBN-13: 978-0300077544
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #539,002 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, well researched study of the artist Mary Cassatt., March 26, 2002

By 

simmons (Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mary Cassatt: A Life (Hardcover)

Ms. Mathews presents Mary Cassatt's entire life and incorporates little known details about her travels and associations with friends and family. She mixes facts, anecdotes and reflections on society in such an easily readable way that even her suppositions could be viewed as gospel truth. The (hardcover) book is well illustrated with historical photographs and black and white illustrations of Cassatt's and her contemporaries' work. The author makes numerous points regarding what motivated and inspired the artist at different periods in her life. She gives very specific illustrations of how difficult life could be for a woman of Cassatt's time. Additionally, the author admits Mary Cassatt's opinions and outspokenness often got her in trouble with friends. Those friendships she was able to maintain were based on a mutual, professional respect. Included is a chapter about the artist's work in an historical context. Her work was viewed differently by critics, and herself, at different times. Nancy Mowell Mathews book gives so much life to the artist's character, I wouldn't be surprised if it's made into a movie! It is certainly motivation for any working woman.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Getting to Know Mary in All Her Intricacies, June 24, 2001

By 

Sandy Frazier "Sandy Frazier" (New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mary Cassatt: A Life (Paperback)

Nancy Mathews gets to the point... her book is wonderfully researched and weaves through the intricately woven fabric of Cassatt's life; yet she doesn't bog you down with too many details. I enjoyed every page of this book and felt like I got an honest portrayal of the woman, her art and the reasons behind the decisions she made. I especially thank Nancy for her sympathetic yet analytical overview of the many misunderstandings that have been perpetuated year after year about Cassatt and other women artists in the late 19th/early 20th century. I'm glad to know the truth.

This biography left me in awe of Mary Cassatt who was obviously a focused, smart and privileged person at a time when many male artists were barely making ends meet. She was unafraid of the establishment, outspoken and determined, not to mention a smart businesswoman. The only thing I disagree with is when the author states that at 51 Mary Cassatt "was faced with an unusually hard burden of loneliness." Mary Cassatt was blessed with many friends, family and admirers and moved in a great many social circles all her life. She rarely veered from her chosen path. But the greatest lesson we can learn from Ms. Cassatt is to stay focused on our life purpose and to honour our own lives with the best we can give of ourselves.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ for all interested in art during the late 1800, June 12, 2000

By 

Deborah J. Chapin (Seabrook, MD) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mary Cassatt: A Life (Paperback)

I highly recommend as a MUST READ this book Mary Cassatt: A Life. by Nancy Mowll Mathews. The book is a fascinating not only of the life of Mary Cassatt but for the insights on the art circles, family life and historical context of these artists and the times in which they lived. Mary Cassatt was a mover and shaker of her times, with good social skills and a mind for business. You travel with her life and times as if you were present. From my perspective I am so happy that I happened on this book because it puts alot of bits and pieces together on these artists.

Deborah Chapin