Artwork
Reine and Margot Seated on a Sofa (No. 2)
Reine and Margot Seated on a Sofa (No. 2) is an ink print by Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1902, *Reine and Margot Seated on a Sofa (No.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1902, *Reine and Margot Seated on a Sofa (No. 2)* is a drypoint print on laid paper by Mary Cassatt. The composition presents two women reclining on a sofa, their relaxed posture suggesting a private, everyday moment. The work exemplifies Cassatt’s sustained interest in intimate domestic interiors, a recurring theme throughout her career.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a quiet encounter between two female figures, emphasizing the subtle dynamics of companionship and shared space. By focusing on the informal gesture of sitting together, Cassatt highlights the everyday experiences of women, reinforcing her broader concern with the social world of women and the nuanced relationships that unfold within the home.
Technique & Style
Cassatt employed drypoint, incising lines directly into a metal plate before transferring the image onto laid paper. This method yields fine, velvety lines and a soft tonal range, allowing the artist to render delicate textures and expressive facial features. The print’s muted palette and gentle modeling align with the Impressionist sensibility she absorbed while working in France.
History & Provenance
The work remains documented as part of Cassatt’s print output from the early 1900s, circulating through private collections before entering public holdings.
An American expatriate who settled in Paris, Cassatt became closely linked to the Impressionist circle after forming a friendship with Edgar Degas. She exhibited alongside the group’s leading artists, and this print reflects the period’s collaborative atmosphere. The work remains documented as part of Cassatt’s print output from the early 1900s, circulating through private collections before entering public holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
