Quietude
1891
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1891
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Quietude is a 1891 ink by Mary Cassatt, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image presents a tender scene of a woman cradling a child in her arms. The woman, seated with her back against a chair, gently holds the child close to her chest. Her dark hair is pulled back, and she wears a long-sleeved dress adorned with small, scattered dots. The child, with their back to the viewer, rests their head on the woman's shoulder, with their right arm wrapped around her neck. The background of the image is a soft, beige color. A notable detail in this image is the way the artist has used drypoint on Japanese paper to create a sense of intimacy and warmth. The subtle texture of the paper adds depth to the scene, while the drypoint technique allows for delicate lines and shading. If you're interested in exploring more works by this artist, consider looking into the portfolio of Cassatt, Mary.