The artistic relationship between American painter Mary Cassatt and French artist Edgar Degas was one of mutual admiration, support, and occasional tension. Their friendship, which lasted nearly 40 years, played a significant role in the development of Impressionism and left a lasting impact on both artists’ careers.

The Beginning of a Dynamic Partnership

Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas first met in Paris in 1877 when Degas invited Cassatt to exhibit with the Impressionists. At that time, Cassatt had already gained recognition through her exhibitions at the Paris Salon. Degas was impressed by her work, remarking that he found someone who felt as he did about art. This shared sensibility laid the foundation for their long-lasting friendship and collaboration (Saint Louis Art Museum, National Gallery of Art).

Mutual Influence and Collaboration

Throughout their relationship, Cassatt and Degas influenced each other’s artistic styles and approaches. Degas encouraged Cassatt to experiment with different techniques and materials, including printmaking, which became a significant part of her work. Cassatt, in turn, promoted Degas’s works to American collectors, enhancing his reputation across the Atlantic. Their mutual support helped both artists gain greater recognition within the art community.

One notable collaboration is Degas’s involvement in Cassatt’s painting “Little Girl in a Blue Armchair,” where his hand is evident in some of the work. This collaboration highlighted their intertwined artistic journeys and their willingness to push each other toward new creative heights (Denver Art Museum).

A Complicated Relationship

Despite their close friendship, Cassatt and Degas had a relationship marked by both camaraderie and conflict. Degas, known for his often difficult personality, sometimes clashed with Cassatt. She once mentioned that Degas could become angry because he could not find any weaknesses in her, leading to periods where they did not see each other. However, their shared passion for art always brought them back together.

Cassatt valued Degas’s critiques, even when they were harsh, stating that his opinion was the only one that mattered to her. However, she eventually burned almost all their correspondence, leaving much of the personal details of their relationship to speculation (Denver Art Museum).

Legacy

Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas’s friendship is remembered not only for their individual contributions to art but also for how they supported and challenged each other. Their relationship exemplifies how artistic collaborations can foster growth and innovation. Cassatt’s work, often focusing on the private lives of women and children, and Degas’s depictions of modern life continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance.

Their intertwined legacies are a testament to the powerful impact of their friendship on the world of art.