In the Omnibus

In the Omnibus, created by American artist Mary Cassatt between 1890 and 1891, is a significant example of fin-de-siècle printmaking. Executed using the complex combination of drypoint and aquatint on wove paper, this work demonstrates Cassatt’s sophisticated mastery of intaglio techniques during the period spanning 1876 to 1900. The use of drypoint allows for the creation of velvety, burr-rich lines, while the application of aquatint enables the artist to achieve subtle tonal gradations. Together, these techniques allow the finished print to capture delicate effects of light and texture often associated with pastel or oil media.

Cassatt frequently focused on the intimate and observed moments of contemporary life, often choosing women and children as her primary subjects. The setting of the omnibus, a form of public transportation prevalent in European cities, situates the subject within the context of modern urban existence. The composition typically features two figures engaged in a quiet moment, rendered with an intimacy and directness characteristic of Cassatt’s mature style. While the artist was American, she spent the majority of her career in France, where she became closely associated with the Impressionist movement. This piece reflects the Impressionists' commitment to observing and documenting fleeting moments of contemporary life, though Cassatt often applied principles of graphic structure and composition rooted in her contemporaneous study of Japanese woodblock prints.

The refined handling of surface and light in the print underscores Cassatt’s technical excellence and her influence on the development of American graphic arts. This significant work is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of its cultural importance and historical status, imagery relating to this masterwork is often made available to the public domain through institutional and academic archives, ensuring continued study and appreciation of Cassatt's legacy.