Mary Cassatt - Mrs. Gardner Cassatt in Black [~1880]

Mary Cassatt -

Mrs. Gardner Cassatt in Black [~1880]

Baltimore MA -

Cutler-Miles

 

The sitter is the sister-in-law of Mary Cassat, named:

Eugenia "Jennie" Cassatt (née Carter) [1856-1929],

she was the wife of Joseph Gardner Cassatt

www.geni.com/people/Eugenia-Cassatt/6000000027633895898

 

This elegant young woman wears a black ensemble, completed by a plumed hat trimmed with bird wings and a translucent veil. It is believed that this mysterious portrait is of Cassatt's sister-in-law, Eugenia Carter {Mrs. Gardner Cassatt I (1856-1929), wife of Joseph Gardner Cassatt (1849-1911)} who was also known as "Jennie". The darkness of Jennie's apparel contrasts with the floral patterning of the armchair.

In the background, Cassatt included a fan painted by Edgar Degas that she owned, showing her admiration for the elder artist.

Done