Focus on this artwork and explore the abstract.
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.
Edgar Degas National Gallery of Art Degas Washington, D.C. Mary Cassatt Impressionist