Born in America, Mary Cassatt’s parents believed travel was an important part of education, so the family lived in Europe for five years. Mary loved looking at art—especially paintings by Edgar Degas.

But Mary’s family did not want her to become a professional artist—especially not her dad. Mary didn’t listen. She entered art school when she turned 15, determined to make it her career (unlike other female art students at the time). After five years, Mary decided she could learn better on her own and moved to France to copy paintings by the Masters. She also painted people doing everyday things and drew what she saw on field trips to the countryside.

Unfortunately, Mary had to return to America during the Franco-Prussian War to live with her family. Her dad still didn’t approve of Mary’s career and refused to buy art supplies. And since people in America didn’t buy her art, she almost gave up. A Bishop saved the day by commissioning Mary for two paintings, which allowed her to return to France.

And that’s where Mary lived for the rest of her life. She became friends with famous impressionist painters (learn more about impressionism here in the sidebar). But while most impressionists created landscapes and street scenes, Mary painted mothers and children doing everyday things to celebrate a woman’s life. Over time, Mary’s art evolved into a simpler style that was her very own.