51015Mary Cassatt defied tradition, family, andpublic opinion to become one of the mostcelebrated artists of the United States.Born in 1845, the daughter of a wealthyPittsburgh banker, Cassatt spent severalyears of her childhood with her family inEurope. As she grew older, she gave up alife of ease to choose a path that at the timewas almost impossible for a woman tofollow. In 1861, while many of her friendswere entering the social world of the upperclasses, Cassatt was beginning her studiesat the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.After four years, however, she felt stifled bythe rigid curriculum. Against her father’swishes, she decided to return to Europe tostudy painting.51015505560Throughout her years in Europe, Cassattkept in touch with her wealthy friends inthe United States, introducing them toimpressionist art. Many of the excellentcollections of impressionist paintings in thiscountry are to a great extent the result ofher influence. As a woman and as anAmerican, Cassatt stood virtually aloneamong the impressionist painters. Sinceher death in 1926, the work of the“Impressionist from Pennsylvania” hasbeen avidly sought by collectors.33. Which of the following best tells what thispassage is about?505560202530354045Cassatt spent several years, mainly inFrance and Italy, immersing herself in theworks of great European painters of thepast. Finally, in 1872, she settled in Parispermanently. There, Cassatt came to admirethe work of the French Impression ists, agroup of “outsiders” that included Degas,Monet, and Renoir. Unlike mainstreamartists who produced the dark, polished,and detailed paintings favored by traditionalistsand critics, these artistic revolutionariesapplied pigment to the canvas in small dabsof pure color to achieve an illusion of light.Works painted in this manner presented notphotograph-like detail but a softer focus thatconveyed a highly personalized impression.This new movement inspired Cassatt.Discarding the traditional European style,she adopted the luminous tones of theimpressionists. Particularly interested inthe human figure, Cassatt began creatingpastels of groups of women—on outings inthe park, having tea, and so forth. In 1879,Edgar Degas invited her to exhibit with theimpressionists, and her paintings wereincluded in four of their next five shows.Cassatt and Degas admired each other’swork and a loyal friendship developed. Itwas Degas who first suggested the motherchildtheme that became the hallmark ofCassatt’s later work.202530354045A. the barriers faced by women artistsB. the mother-child theme in Cassatt’s workC. why Cassatt is considered an earlyfeministD. Cassatt’s development as an artistE. a brief history of impressionism34. Why did Cassatt leave the PennsylvaniaAcademy of Fine Arts?F. Her father wanted her to study in Europe.G. She felt the program there limited hercreativity.H. She did not want to enter Pittsburghsociety.J. She wanted to study with the FrenchImpressionists.K. She wished to rejoin her family.35. What prompted Cassatt to begin using themother-child theme in her work?A. It was an appropriate subject for a beginningartist.B. It was a favorite theme of great Europeanpainters of past centuries.C. It was suggested to her by another artist.D. It was a common theme in the late nineteenthcentury.E. It was favored by the critics.FORM A44CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT PAGE
36. Which of the following best describes Cassattas a young woman, before 1865?F. interested in fashion and social standingG. an independent thinkerH. friend to many French ImpressionistsJ. a painter in the impressionist styleK. a successful artist in her own right37. How was Cassatt unusual among impressionistpainters?A. Her painting style created the illusion oflight.B. She was befriended by Degas.C. She managed to remain in the artisticmainstream of her day.D. Her paintings have gained in value andpopularity.E. She was an American woman.38. In what way does the writer suggest thatCassatt influenced art collections in theUnited States?F. She was an avid art collector in her ownright.G. She preferred to paint pastels of womenand children.H. She showed impressionist art to herwealthy American friends.J. She settled in Paris permanently.K. She exhibited regularly with theimpressionists.CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT PAGEFORM A45
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