Clarissa Turned Left with Her Hand to Her Ear Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844-1926)

Here we observe a pastel drawing depicting a young woman seated in what appears to be a plush armchair or sofa. The figure is positioned slightly off-center, angled towards the left side of the composition. Her posture suggests introspection; her hand is raised to her ear, as if attempting to catch a faint sound or blocking out an unwanted one. A melancholic expression dominates her face – the downturned mouth and shadowed eyes convey a sense of quiet sadness or pensiveness.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by warm tones: shades of red-orange for the hair and upholstery, contrasted with softer pinks and creams in the woman’s clothing and skin. The application of pastel is loose and expressive; strokes are visible, creating a textured surface that contributes to the overall impression of immediacy and intimacy. Theres an intentional lack of sharp definition – edges blur, forms dissolve into one another, which lends a dreamlike quality to the scene.
The background is largely indistinct, rendered in similar warm hues as the seating area, effectively isolating the figure and directing attention towards her emotional state. The darkness surrounding the image creates a sense of enclosure, intensifying the feeling of solitude.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest a narrative beyond the immediate visual. The gesture of covering the ear might imply a desire to avoid something unpleasant or a longing for connection that remains elusive. The woman’s attire – a simple blouse and what appears to be a loose-fitting garment – suggests a degree of informality, perhaps indicating a private moment captured without pretense.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and understated emotion. Its not an image of overt drama but rather a subtle exploration of inner life, inviting the viewer to ponder the circumstances that might have led this young woman to such a state of reflective melancholy.