Mary Cassatt: The Great Artist

Mary Cassatt was a little girl who loved to draw. She was born in Pennsylvania long ago. Her family had money. They took a trip to Europe. Mary saw big, beautiful paintings there. She knew she wanted to be an artist.

But back then, people thought girls should not have jobs. Mary's father did not want her to paint. Mary did not give up. She went to school to learn art.

Later, Mary moved to a big city called Paris. It is in France. She painted every day. Some people did not like her art. She did not want to follow old rules.

Then, Mary met a friend named Edgar Degas. He was an artist, too. He asked Mary to join his group of artists. They were called the Impressionists. These artists painted with bright colors. They used quick brushstrokes. Mary was the only American in this group. She was very happy to join them.

Mary loved to paint mothers and their babies. She showed quiet, loving moments. One famous painting shows a mother bathing her child.

Mary also helped her friends. She told rich people to buy her friends' paintings. Today, we can see Mary's paintings in many museums. She showed the world that women can be great artists.