Artwork
The Caress
The Caress is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1891, *The Caress* is a drypoint print executed on laid paper. The work captures a quiet domestic scene, rendered in the subtle tonal range characteristic of Cassatt’s printmaking. Its composition centers on the interaction between an adult woman and a child, inviting viewers to contemplate the intimacy of everyday life.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a mother‑like figure with her hair gathered back, lightly touching the child’s face. The child, clad in a plain white outfit, gazes upward with a mixture of curiosity and trust. The gentle gesture and softened backdrop emphasize a moment of affection and the nurturing bond that Cassatt frequently explored in her oeuvre.
Technique & Style
Cassett’s choice of drypoint on laid paper yields fine, burr‑rich lines that convey texture and depth. The method allows for delicate gradations of tone, while the laid paper’s faint ribbing contributes to a subtle surface quality. Light and shadow are modulated to create a warm, atmospheric effect without resorting to stark contrasts.
History & Provenance
Mary Cassatt produced the print during her mature period while residing in France, a time when she was closely associated with the Impressionist circle, particularly Edgar Degas. *The Caress* was exhibited alongside her other prints in the early 1890s, and subsequent sales placed it in several European and American collections, though exact ownership details vary.
Context
Cassatt’s print aligns with her broader interest in portraying women’s private spheres, especially the relationships between mothers and children. By employing a medium traditionally dominated by male artists, she asserted a distinct voice within the Impressionist milieu, emphasizing domestic tenderness as a legitimate artistic subject.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
