Who painted The Bath?

The Bath was painted by Mary Cassatt in 1890.

Where can I see The Bath?

The Bath is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Bath?

The Bath is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Bath?

Museum-quality prints of The Bath are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Bath

Mary Cassatt , 1890

The Bath 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.

Inscription: Inscribed:Recto: at bottom center in graphite in later hand: N; verso: at upper left in later hand: 1546
Markings: Marked:recto: none; verso: Rosenwald & National Gallery of Art

About this work

Overview

The Bath, created by Mary Cassatt in 1890, is a print utilizing color drypoint, softground etching, and aquatint on laid paper. It captures an intimate, everyday moment between a mother and child.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman gently bathing a standing child, conveying a sense of maternal care and tender relationship. The scene emphasizes the private, personal aspects of women's lives, a common theme in Cassatt's work.

Technique & Style

Cassatt employed a combination of techniques: color drypoint for lines, softground etching for textures, and aquatint for tonal variations. The result is a warm, serene atmosphere, enhanced by gentle lines and muted colors, such as the woman's yellow dress with dark flowers against a soft gray background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1890, The Bath reflects Cassatt's association with the Impressionists in France, despite being an American expatriate. While specific ownership history is not provided, it aligns with her body of work exhibited alongside Impressionist artists.

Context

Within Cassatt's oeuvre, The Bath fits a pattern of exploring intimate, domestic moments, particularly focusing on the bond between mothers and children, a subject she frequently revisited in her prints.