Mary Cassatt's Child Picking A Fruit

Mary Cassatt’s Child Picking a Fruit, painted in 1893, shows an intimate moment between a mother and child. Immediately after seeing this painting you can feel the loving connection between the subjects. A green background supports a mother in a pink dress holding what can be assumed as her nude baby son. The pair stand under the branches of an apple tree. The child is reaching for the fruit as the mother holds down the branch to help. Child Picking a Fruit demonstrates the bond between a mother and child.
The shape and lines in Child Picking a Fruit emphasize the natural connection between the mother and her baby. The bending branches of the apple tree consume the upper third of background. They surround the figures and nestle them in and together. The lines of movement created by the mother's dress show a strong softness. The child is supported …show more content…
Nearly the entire background of the painting is different values of green. Darker, muddy green colors at the bottom left corner and lighter refreshing values of green in the middle right surround the mother and child. The isolation in the painting created by mostly negative space emphasises the human connection. The two are surrounded by a natural, calm atmosphere where they can find peace. Green is a very natural, peaceful, safe color that evokes harmonious feelings and symbolizes growth and fresh energy. The dress that the mother is wearing is the other main color of the painting. Pink is a very feminine, tender, affectionate, and also a harmonious color. The dress also has a pattern of springs of lavender flowers. These symbolize calm peaceful tones. Apples and fruits in artworks can symbolize a variety of ideas. In this painting, the apples symbolize life and temptation, as well as fertility. All of the simple symbols and use of colors reiterate the closeness and connection between the mother and child. They are connected through harmony, life, and natural