Artwork
The Letter
The Letter 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 lower right in black chalk: Imprimée par l'artiste et M. Leroy / Mary Cassatt / (25 épreuves); verso: at lower left in graphite in later hand: A78412; at lower right in graphite in later hand: FHO
- Markings
- Marked:recto: Roger Marx (Lugt 2229); verso: none
About this work
Overview
The Letter, created by Mary Cassatt in 1890, is a print on laid paper combining color drypoint, softground etching, and aquatint techniques. It depicts a woman absorbed in reading a letter within a serene, indoor setting.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures an intimate, everyday moment of a woman lost in thought while reading. This aligns with Cassatt's thematic focus on the domestic lives and quiet, personal experiences of women.
Technique & Style
Cassatt employed a innovative mix of printmaking techniques for the time, achieving softer lines and enhanced coloration. The work exemplifies her ability to convey tender, introspective scenes through nuanced printmaking.
History & Provenance
As an American expatriate in France, Cassatt was closely tied to the Impressionist circle, befriending Edgar Degas and exhibiting with the group. This print reflects her association with Impressionist themes of everyday life.
Context
The Letter sits within Cassatt's broader oeuvre of portraits highlighting the relationships between women and children, though this piece uniquely focuses on a solitary, contemplative figure.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of The Letter are not provided, it contributes to Cassatt's recognized contribution to Impressionist printmaking and her portrayal of women's private lives in the late 19th century.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
