Kneeling in an Armchair

The intimate drypoint Kneeling in an Armchair was created by American artist Mary Cassatt in 1903. This medium, which involves drawing directly onto a metal plate with a sharp, steel or diamond point, creates characteristic burr along the incised lines. When printed, this delicate burr holds ink, lending a soft, velvety texture and rich shadows to the resulting impression, a quality especially evident in this piece.

Cassatt excelled in the field of graphic arts, producing numerous significant prints throughout her career. This particular work exemplifies her mastery of the drypoint technique during the period spanning 1901 to 1925, showing precise draftsmanship combined with a remarkable delicacy of shading. The piece captures a momentary, unguarded pose, likely of a child or young woman observed within a domestic interior. The figure’s position, kneeling slightly slumped within the plush confines of the armchair, suggests quiet contemplation, introspection, or perhaps momentary repose. Cassatt consistently chose intimate themes focused on the lives of women and children, transforming everyday actions into subjects worthy of serious artistic investigation.

While Cassatt lived primarily abroad as an American expatriate, her output remained central to the development of modern American printmaking. Produced in the early years of the 20th century, this piece reflects the shifting focus of art away from grand narrative subjects toward personal, intimate observation characteristic of the period. The classification of this piece as a Print reinforces Cassatt's dedication to making high-quality art accessible through reproducible media. This exceptional example of graphic work is maintained in the extensive collection of the National Gallery of Art, confirming its importance within the artist's oeuvre. Its sophisticated line work and emotional restraint demonstrate why Cassatt is considered one of the leading figures in the modern art movement.