On the Balcony

On the Balcony is a definitive print created by Mary Cassatt American, 1844-1926, illustrating her profound connection to the domestic lives of women and children. This work, dated between 1884 and 1894, exemplifies the technical mastery she developed after moving beyond painting. The piece is classified as a print, specifically executed using soft-ground etching in black on cream laid paper. Soft-ground etching allowed Cassatt to achieve textural qualities and delicate tonalities that mimic the spontaneity of pencil or chalk drawings, moving away from the harsher lines often associated with traditional etching.

As one of the preeminent American artists of her generation, 1844-1926 championed a vision of modern life centered on intimate interior scenes, often focusing on figures gazing outwards or engaging in quiet contemplation. Although based primarily in France, the artist remained a crucial figure in defining modern art originating from the United States. This print captures an atmosphere of serene observation, utilizing the structure of the balcony railing to frame the figures against the distant view. Cassatt’s dedicated output in graphic arts produced some of her most influential work, and pieces like On the Balcony cemented her reputation as a skilled printmaker.

The lasting quality and widespread appreciation for the graphic output by 1844-1926 ensure that the original state of this work, housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, remains a key reference point for scholars. Because of its age and cultural significance, high-resolution reproductions of this master print are widely available through public domain sources, allowing global access to the subtle texture and composition Cassatt achieved in this masterful etching.