Repose

Repose, created by Mary Cassatt American, 1844-1926, in 1890, is a masterful example of the artist's dedicated focus on the expressive potential of printmaking during her mature period. This particular piece is classified as a print, executed as an etching in rich dark brown ink on off-white laid paper. Cassatt, a crucial figure in both the French Impressionist movement and the history of modern art in the United States, frequently turned to graphic arts to explore themes of domesticity and quiet private moments, subjects for which she became internationally renowned.

The technical precision required for the etching medium allowed Cassatt to emphasize delicate line work and subtle shifts in shadow, distinguishing her prints from the broader, bolder brushstrokes found in her oils. This work showcases her mastery of composition and her ability to capture psychological depth through economical means. While primarily active abroad, the artist maintained her cultural roots and played a significant role in elevating the status of American prints globally. The composition of this work conveys a stillness and introspection characteristic of the high-point of her graphic production in the 1890s.

Classified as a key example of graphic art from the United States, this piece is held in the prestigious collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a permanent example of the artist’s commitment to technique. Today, high-resolution images of Repose are frequently available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to Cassatt’s subtle and powerful contributions to modern printmaking.