The Bonnet

"The Bonnet," created in 1891 by Mary Cassatt American, 1844-1926, exemplifies her significant contributions to fin-de-siècle printmaking. This delicate Print, executed as an etching in dark brown ink on ivory laid paper, demonstrates Cassatt’s skilled handling of line and form. Produced during a prolific period for the artist, this work reflects her transition toward embracing Japanese ukiyo-e aesthetics while maintaining her signature focus on intimate domestic subjects, particularly the maternal bond and the quiet depiction of children. The technique of etching allowed Cassatt to achieve deep, subtle tonality and fine detail, lending gravity to the simple subject matter suggested by the title.

Although an expatriate living primarily in France, Cassatt remained a central figure in Impressionism from the United States, bringing an American sensibility to her European peers. Her choice of printmaking techniques, including drypoint and etching, allowed her to explore subtleties of texture and light distinct from her oil paintings. This print captures a fleeting moment of contemplation or interaction, a common motif in Cassatt's repertoire. The classification as a Print makes the image highly reproducible, and high-resolution versions of works like The Bonnet are often found within public domain art collections, broadening access to her essential oeuvre.

As one of the critical prints from this era, the piece illustrates Cassatt's dedication to mastering graphic arts alongside painting. The image is meticulously rendered, showing precise control over the etching plate despite the apparent spontaneity of the subject matter. Today, this important piece of American art history is preserved within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, serving as a key example of the artist's late nineteenth-century output.