Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt is an American treasure, although it was not until after her death, in 1926, that she received the recognition that she deserved. She was born into a wealthy banking family in Philadelphia, and went on family trips to Europe, where she was exposed to great art and culture and could speak both French and German. [...]

The talent, determination and perseverance of Mary Cassatt led to her becoming one of the world's leading Impressionist painters and a major influence on American collectors during the twentieth century.

Cassatt's determination led her to take private lessons and copy the master works at the Louvre on her own, alongside other female artists who worked as copyists, and earned money by selling their copies of the works.