
This week I read about Mary Cassatt admiring the work of the 17th century Realists, studying their work intensely then moving on to study the works of Correggio and Parmigianino (both Italian painters). She learned intaglio printmaking at the local academy which she put to use later in her art career. In the early years she worked primarily in oils.
Cassatt was living in Parma, Italy during this time. She was about 26 years old and didn’t speak much Italian. She kept a strict schedule but did take time to travel to Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands studying all the masters: Velasquez, Goya, Murillo, Rubens, Hals, and more. The Parma locals must have found it amusing to see an American woman climbing up and down ladders to study the frescoes in their cathedrals. Although I did read in an online biography that after her 1872 Salon acceptance and painting purchase, locals all wanted to meet her and see her art.
Cassatt kept some of her own favorite copies to show young artists when they would come visit her. She encouraged them to learn the way she had, by studying the masters.
It would be difficult today, with the pandemic restrictions, to see the masters’ paintings in person but I’ve discovered many museums have online resources available. The web is now our window into the museum and we don’t have to wait until museum hours or pay a fee – we are free to study these great paintings any time we please. I’ve posted links to many museums in my “Free Inspiration with Virtual Tours” blog post from August 2020 which you can visit.
How important is it for today’s artist to study the masters? I’d love to hear what others think about this. Share your comments below.
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