Artwork
View of Venice
View of Venice is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
View of Venice is a 1887 drypoint print by Mary Cassatt, capturing a serene cityscape of Venice with a canal and church steeple. The work showcases Cassatt's use of drypoint to achieve a soft, dreamy quality.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts everyday life in Venice, with moored boats and a prominent church steeple, reflecting Cassatt's interest in daily scenes. While known for intimate portrayals of women and children, this work focuses on architectural and natural elements.
Technique & Style
Cassatt employed drypoint to create a sense of movement and life, particularly in capturing the play of light on water. The technique contributes to the work's Impressionist character, emphasizing fleeting effects of light.
History & Provenance
Created in 1887, View of Venice was made during Cassatt's association with the Impressionist movement in France, where she was based as an American expatriate.
Context
As an Impressionist, Cassatt's work aligns with contemporaries like Edgar Degas, with whom she maintained a close relationship. View of Venice reflects the movement's broader focus on modern life and outdoor settings.
Legacy
While View of Venice exemplifies Impressionist principles, Cassatt's broader legacy lies in her portrayals of domestic life, particularly mother-child relationships, influencing subsequent generations of artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
