National Gallery Honors American Impressionist Mary Cassatt

Centennial Exhibition Celebrates the Life and Work of the Pioneering Artist

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. is currently hosting a special exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of American Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt. The exhibit features around 40 of Cassatt's paintings, sketches, and block prints, drawn largely from the Gallery's extensive collection of her work. Born in Pennsylvania, Cassatt spent much of her adult life in France and became closely associated with the Impressionist movement, befriending Edgar Degas and exhibiting alongside other prominent artists of the time.

Why it matters

Cassatt distinguished herself by focusing on the social and private lives of women, particularly the intimate bonds between mothers and children. Her work offers a unique insight into the world of women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibition also highlights Cassatt's role in introducing Impressionism to American collectors and making the movement's works more accessible to a wider audience.

The details

In addition to her renowned depictions of maternal relationships, Cassatt's artistic scope extended beyond the domestic sphere. Her art also includes scenes of women enjoying the pleasures of high society, as well as quieter moments of women engaged in everyday activities. The National Gallery's library has also curated a collection of archival photographs, catalogs, and correspondence related to Cassatt's life, offering a deeper understanding of her artistic journey.

  • The exhibition runs from February 14 to August 30, 2026.

The players

Mary Cassatt

An American Impressionist painter who spent much of her adult life in France and became closely associated with the Impressionist movement.

Edgar Degas

A French Impressionist painter who significantly influenced Cassatt's life and work.

National Gallery of Art

The art museum in Washington D.C. that is hosting the special exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Cassatt's death.

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The takeaway

The National Gallery's exhibition celebrates the life and pioneering work of Mary Cassatt, a trailblazing American Impressionist artist who played a crucial role in introducing the movement to American audiences and capturing the social and private lives of women in her distinctive style.