Artwork

The Bath

The Bath, by Mary Cassatt, ink, 1890
The Bath, by Mary Cassatt, ink, 1890

The Bath 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

The Bath is a 1890 print by Mary Cassatt, created using a combination of color drypoint, softground etching, and aquatint techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an intimate scene of a woman bathing a baby, capturing a private moment between the two figures. The woman's focus is directed away from the viewer, emphasizing the quiet, personal nature of the scene.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Cassatt's technical experimentation with various etching techniques, resulting in a soft, sketchy quality. The use of muted earth tones and pale skin tones creates a subdued color palette, adding to the overall sense of intimacy.

Context

As a prominent figure associated with the Impressionist movement, Cassatt's work often explored the domestic lives of women, frequently depicting tender moments between mothers and children.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mary Cassatt

Artist

Mary Cassatt

Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.