Artwork

The Bath [recto]

The Bath [recto], by Mary Cassatt, graphite, 1890
The Bath [recto], by Mary Cassatt, graphite, 1890

The Bath [recto] is a graphite drawing 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 drawing by Mary Cassatt, created with graphite and black crayon. It captures a private moment of a woman and child in a simple, everyday setting.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman seated on the floor, holding a baby that reaches towards her. Cassatt's work focuses on the unidealized, intimate aspects of women's lives, often highlighting their relationships with children.

Technique & Style

The sketch is characterized by loose, quick lines that emphasize large shapes over small details. Cassatt's use of blank areas, such as the background, draws attention to the figures and their movement, creating a sense of dynamism.

Context

As an American artist associated with the Impressionist movement in France, Cassatt's work was influenced by her connections to artists like Edgar Degas. Impressionism's focus on everyday life and modernity is reflected in Cassatt's portrayal of a mundane, domestic scene.

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.