Lilacs in a Window by Mary Cassatt - c. 1880–83 - 61.5 x 51.1 cm Metropolitan Museum of Art Lilacs in a Window by Mary Cassatt - c. 1880–83 - 61.5 x 51.1 cm Metropolitan Museum of Art

Lilacs in a Window

oil on canvas • 61.5 x 51.1 cm
  • Mary Cassatt - May 22, 1844 - June 14, 1926 Mary Cassatt c. 1880–83

A dark aubergine vase containing purple and white lilacs is shown placed on what seems to be a sill or work surface in a greenhouse, with the adjacent window held open by a prop. This most simple of subjects is presented with a line characteristic of Mary Cassatt's best work, which is not surprising given her love of gardens and flowers. Pure still life is a great rarity in her oeuvre, usually concentrated on the human figure. On occasion, however, she placed landscape or floral elements within her compositions as colorful backdrops and accents. 

Mary Cassatt is one of the main characters building French Impressionism. Learn more about her in our Impressionism Mega Course!

P.S. Did you know that Cassatt was the only American to fully integrate with the Impressionists? We have so much more to learn about her!  <3