Artwork
Woman Bathing
Woman Bathing 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
Created in 1890, *Woman Bathing* is a print by Mary Cassatt that combines dry‑point, soft‑ground etching and aquatint on laid paper. The image presents a solitary nude woman engaged in the act of bathing within an intimate interior, rendered with a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a private, everyday moment, emphasizing the calm expression and relaxed posture of the figure. By focusing on a solitary woman in a domestic setting, Cassatt continues her exploration of women’s private lives, offering a dignified glimpse into personal routine rather than public spectacle.
Technique & Style
Cassatt employs a hybrid printmaking process: dry‑point provides fine, velvety lines; soft‑ground etching allows for softer, textured areas; and aquatint creates tonal washes that suggest depth and atmosphere. The laid paper surface contributes a subtle grain that enhances the work’s tactile quality.
History & Provenance
An American artist residing in France, Cassatt was closely linked to the Impressionist circle, notably through her association with Edgar Degas, whose experimental print methods influenced her practice. *Woman Bathing* reflects the period’s collaborative spirit and Cassatt’s adoption of innovative techniques within that network.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
