Who painted Gathering Fruit?

Gathering Fruit was painted by Mary Cassatt in 1893.

Where can I see Gathering Fruit?

Gathering Fruit is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Gathering Fruit?

Gathering Fruit is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Gathering Fruit?

Museum-quality prints of Gathering Fruit are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Gathering Fruit

Mary Cassatt , 1893

Gathering Fruit is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:recto: at lower center in graphite in later hand: E-; at lower right in graphite in later hand: 1-; verso: none
Markings: Marked:recto: none; verso: Lessing Julius Rosenwald (Lugt 1760b)

About this work

Overview

Gathering Fruit, a print created by Mary Cassatt circa 1893, combines color drypoint, softground etching, and aquatint on laid paper. This work exemplifies Cassatt's Impressionist inclinations, developed through her association with Edgar Degas and the Impressionist group in France.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an intimate domestic scene: a woman gathering fruit from a branch, accompanied by a child who appears to be assisting, standing with an arm around her. The focus on a quiet, everyday moment between a woman and child reflects Cassatt's thematic interest in capturing the intimacy of such relationships.

Technique & Style

Cassatt employed a multifaceted technique, blending sharp lines (via drypoint and etching) with smooth shading (achieved through aquatint), set against soft, pastel hues of pinks, greens, and pale blues, all bounded by thick, dark outlines. The relaxed pose of the child and the interplay of textures add depth to the scene.

History & Provenance

Created during Cassatt's time as an American expatriate in France, this work aligns with her Impressionist period, following her integration into the movement through her friendship with Degas. Specific provenance details for 'Gathering Fruit' are not provided.

Context

Within the broader context of late 19th-century French art, 'Gathering Fruit' situates itself among Impressionist explorations of everyday life, yet with a distinct focus on the private, familial moments that characterized much of Cassatt's oeuvre.

Legacy

While 'Gathering Fruit' may not be Cassatt's most celebrated work, it contributes to the broader legacy of her domestic-themed Impressionist prints, highlighting the importance of women's and children's experiences in the era's artistic narrative.