Mary Cassatt Being independent

In 2026, in order to mark the hundredth anniversary of the artist's death, the Musée d'Orsay is organizing a major exhibition devoted to Mary Cassatt (1844-1926). In France, this will be a long-awaited event: its national museums have never devoted a major exhibition to Mary Cassatt, an active member and pillar of the impressionist group. Her centenary provides an opportunity to examine the central place occupied by this prominent artist who, through talent and determination, succeed in forging a unique identity in late 19th- and early 20th-century art history, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Comprising almost 80 paintings, pastels and prints, and covering the whole of the artist's career, "Mary Cassatt: L'indépendante / Mary Cassatt: Being independent" opens up new perspectives on her work, drawing on unpublished letters and never before exploited sources. Rarely shown works from public and private European collections will be presented, along with paintings and pastels from American collections seldom exhibited outside the United States.

A selection of Cassatt's early works and portraits of her loved ones shows how the artist's social milieu, travels and knowledge of the art of the past shaped her approach and practice. Making it a point of honor to be independent (originally at her wealthy family's request), she soon set herself up in her own studio and started employing paid sitters. In a largely male environment, and against a background of latent nationalism, she rapidly succeeded in establishing herself as a professional painter. 

Curatorship

Paris

Caroline Corbeau-Parsons, Graphic Arts and Paintings Curator, Musée d'Orsay;

Anne Robbins, Curator of Paintings, Musée d'Orsay;

London

Sarah Moulden, Senior Curator of 19th Century Collections, National Portrait Gallery;

Boston

Erica Hirshler, Croll Senior Curator of American Paintings, Boston Museum of Fine Arts.