Lydia Crocheting in the Garden at Marly is an oil painting by Mary Cassatt, completed in 1880, and currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In the painting, Cassatt’s elder sister Lydia is featured crocheting in a walled garden at Marly-le-Roi. The painting is a perfect example of Cassatt’s early Impressionist style.
The painting depicts a beautiful afternoon at Marly, where Lydia is engrossed in crocheting, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. Mary Cassatt is known for her unique portrayal of women of different ages, races and classes, in domestic settings. The Lydia crocheting painting is no different, as Cassatt showcases her sister’s concentration and relaxation at the same time. The soft, pastel palette and brush strokes characteristic of Impressionism is evident in the painting, creating a serene and tranquil composition that is truly breathtaking.
The painting has been famous since its creation, mainly because it represents Cassatt’s artistic exploration during the early stages of her career. Lydia crocheting is a brilliant example of Mary Cassatt’s skill in portraying women in their day to day life, especially in the domestic setting. It showcases her unique style that mixes intricate detail, and a soft, dreamy effect unique to the Impressionist style. This painting remains significant as one of the greatest works of Mary Cassatt, a true artist in her own right.