By the Pond

Maker Mary Cassatt (American, 1844 - 1926)

Collections

American Print Selections

ClassificationsPRINTS

Dateca. 1895-1898

Mediumetching, drypoint, aquatint, and watercolor

Dimensions13 x 16 7/8 in. (33 x 42.9 cm.) sheet: 17 1/2 x 20 3/4 in. (44.5 x 52.7 cm.)

DescriptionIt had a brown paper backing sheet glued to print paper on all edges. Loss in paper at right edge. Etching ink on upper right and lower left and right margins. Stained on edges from mat burn aor from paper backing. removed as much of paper backing as possible, with dry paste application and scraping. Flattened print, hinged and matted in acid free materials.

SignedSigned in lower right of recto in graphite: Mary Cassatt

InscribedSigned in lower right of recto in graphite: Mary Cassatt

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of the Virginia Steele Scott Foundation

Label TextBy the Pond, created late in Mary Cassatt's career, demonstrates her interest in Japanese woodblock prints. Her use of vibrant color, minimal lines, and flattened perspective was typical of her style both as a painter and printmaker.

Although she was aware of the printmaking revival taking place in France and the United States, Cassatt was hesitant to begin etching because of its reputation as a craft rather than a respected art form. However, the freedom of expression enjoyed by painter-etchers attracted her to the medium. As Cassatt worked to establish herself as an artist among the French Impressionists, printmaking allowed her to refine her drawing ability and to publicize her work.

Status

Not on view

Object number84.34