Artwork
A Portrait of the Artist's Mother
A Portrait of the Artist's Mother is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Portrait of the Artist's Mother is a print created by Mary Cassatt around 1890, using color softground etching and aquatint on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Cassatt's mother, seated in a contemplative pose, wearing a dark dress and white shawl, surrounded by flowers in vases. The scene conveys a sense of quiet reflection and intimacy, highlighting the close relationship between mothers and children, a recurring theme in Cassatt's work.
Technique & Style
Cassatt employed color softground etching and aquatint to achieve a warm, intimate atmosphere. The technique allowed for subtle color nuances and textures, characteristic of her style, which blended elements of Impressionism and Realism.
Context
Cassatt, an American artist who spent most of her life in France, was associated with the Impressionist movement and Edgar Degas. Her work often explored the private lives of women, and this print is a representation of her focus on domestic scenes and maternal relationships.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
