The Coiffure by Mary Cassatt

Questions and Answers

Who is the artist of 'The Coiffure'?

Mary Cassatt

How does Cassatt differ from other Impressionists?

Didn't paint in the outside world by herself because it was unsafe for a woman.

How did her subject matter reflect her limitations?

Only women and children; social limitations were so extreme that she was limited in what she could actually capture in the world around her.

How did she make her paintings accessible and affordable for the public?

Made prints. Signup and view all the answers

What are Ukiyo-e paintings?

Japanese paintings, 'pictures of the floating world', everything we live in is brief and temporary. Signup and view all the answers

How is 'The Coiffure' a rare depiction of the female nude?

Unaware of being observed, mirror reflection, de-eroticized. Signup and view all the answers

How do the lines in 'The Coiffure' contrast?

Curves of the women echo the curves of the chair but contrast with the straight lines of the mirror. Signup and view all the answers

How do the colors function in 'The Coiffure'?

Bland colors allow us to focus more on the form and clarity of line. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of Aquatint?

Carved designs onto a smooth copper plate with a final metal needle, plate dusted with a powder resin and heated; deeper the penetration, the deeper the tones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the subject matter of 'The Coiffure'?

Unidealized and sentimentalized scene that offers a glimpse into the domestic lives of late 19th century women. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Coiffure Overview

"The Coiffure" is a significant work by Mary Cassatt, a prominent female artist of the Impressionist movement.

Distinction from Other Impressionists

Cassatt did not create art outdoors due to safety concerns for women during her time, setting her apart from her male counterparts.

Subject Matter Limitations

Her work primarily focused on women and children, reflecting societal constraints that restricted her ability to engage with broader themes in the world around her.

Accessibility of Art

Cassatt made her paintings more accessible to the public by producing prints, allowing a wider audience to appreciate her work.

Connection to Ukiyo-e

The term "Ukiyo-e" refers to Japanese art portraying fleeting moments in life, emphasizing the transient nature of existence.

Depiction of the Female Nude

"The Coiffure" features a female nude depicted in a non-eroticized manner, portraying her as unaware of being observed through a mirror reflection.

Contrast in Composition

The painting showcases a contrast between the soft curves of the female figure and the more rigid straight lines of the mirror, creating visual interest.

Color Usage

Utilization of muted colors allows viewers to concentrate on the forms and clarity of line rather than being distracted by vibrant hues.

Aquatint Technique

The aquatint process involved etching designs onto a copper plate; deeper engravings produced darker tones, enhancing the nuances of the artwork.

Insights into Domestic Life

"The Coiffure" presents an unidealized and sentimental glimpse into the domestic lives of women in the late 19th century, offering a personal perspective on their experiences.

Description

Explore the significance of Mary Cassatt's painting 'The Coiffure' through these flashcards. Learn about her unique approach compared to other Impressionists and how her subject matter reflects her societal limitations as a woman artist. This quiz delves into the intricacies of her work and its impact on the art world.