Who painted The Fitting?

The Fitting was painted by Mary Cassatt in 1890.

Where can I see The Fitting?

The Fitting is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Fitting?

The Fitting is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Fitting?

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

Artwork

The Fitting

Mary Cassatt , 1890

The Fitting 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:lower right in graphite: Mary Cassatt / etat
Markings: Marked:recto: none; verso: Robert Hartshorne (Lugt 2215b) and National Gallery of Art

About this work

Overview

Created in 1890, The Fitting is a drypoint print on laid paper by Mary Cassatt. The work presents an intimate interior moment, centering on a woman seated in a chair while a child assists with clothing. The composition is restrained, using a limited palette and subtle tonal contrasts to convey a calm, private atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a quiet episode of dressmaking, emphasizing the close bond between the adult female figure and the child. By focusing on everyday domestic activity, Cassatt highlights the emotional depth of ordinary life and the nurturing relationships that define the private sphere of women in the late nineteenth century.

Technique & Style

Cassatt employed the drypoint method, incising lines directly into laid paper to achieve delicate, velvety textures. The print demonstrates her skillful use of chiaroscuro, with warm, golden background tones set against the cooler, dark dress, creating a sense of volume and spatial depth while maintaining the softness characteristic of her Impressionist affiliations.

History & Provenance

An American artist living in France, Cassatt was closely linked to the Impressionist circle and exhibited alongside its leading members. The Fitting reflects her ongoing interest in portraying women’s private lives. The print entered public collections in the early twentieth century, where it has been displayed as part of exhibitions on Cassatt’s printmaking.