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.
About this work
Overview
The Letter is a 1890 print by Mary Cassatt, created using a combination of color softground etching, drypoint, and aquatint techniques on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a solitary woman engrossed in reading a letter, dressed in a blue robe with gold patterns, in a quiet, private room surrounded by natural elements visible through the window. The scene conveys a sense of intimacy and personal connection.
Technique & Style
Cassatt employed a range of printmaking techniques, including softground etching, drypoint, and aquatint, to achieve a nuanced interplay of light, shadow, and texture, characteristic of her experimental approach to capturing modern life.
Context
As an American expatriate associated with the Impressionists, Cassatt frequently explored themes of domesticity and interpersonal relationships, particularly between women and children, though The Letter focuses on a solitary figure.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
