Reflection

Reflection by Mary Cassatt is a fine example of the artist’s mastery of the graphic arts, executed in drypoint on laid paper sometime between 1885 and 1895. During this prolific decade, Cassatt dedicated significant energy to developing her printmaking practice, establishing a prominent position for herself among contemporary American artists working abroad. Drypoint, a demanding intaglio technique, requires the artist to scratch directly into the copper plate using a sharp needle. This process raises fine burrs of metal alongside the incised line, which, when inked and printed, yield a velvety, rich black line characteristic of these early prints. The subtle variations in line density and texture evident in this piece demonstrate Cassatt’s skill in exploiting the material qualities of the medium.

Created during the period spanning 1876 to 1900, this work reflects Cassatt’s deep engagement with both French Impressionism and the principles of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which heavily influenced her approach to composition and flat planes of color. Cassatt, a leading American figure in the Impressionist movement, utilized the medium of drypoint to capture intimate, often domestic moments. While the exact subject of Reflection suggests a figure engaged in contemplation or viewing their mirror image, the primary focus is on the emotional weight conveyed through composition and economy of line. This piece showcases the artist's ability to render complex psychological states using minimal means, prioritizing clarity and spatial relationships.

The delicate handling of light and shadow, achieved through varying pressure on the drypoint needle, positions this print firmly within the graphic arts innovations of the late nineteenth century. Cassatt produced fewer than 220 prints during her career, making original impressions highly valuable records of her stylistic development. This significant example of her drypoint work is preserved in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Ensuring broad access to foundational American prints, high-quality images of this artwork often become available through public domain initiatives, supporting continued scholarly research and public appreciation.