The Crocheting Lesson

"The Crocheting Lesson" is a subtle yet intimate drypoint created by Mary Cassatt in 1902. As a master of graphic arts, Cassatt frequently turned to the difficult medium of drypoint, which requires incising lines directly into a copper plate with a sharp needle. Unlike etching, the process yields a distinctive burr around the line, creating soft, velvety edges that characterize the finest impressions of her prints. This particular piece showcases the economy of line Cassatt mastered, focusing texture and shadow primarily on the faces and the hands engaged in the delicate craft.

This American artist’s work exemplifies her enduring focus on domestic life and the gentle transfer of skills between generations. Created during the period 1901 to 1925, the piece captures a quiet moment of instruction, a theme recurrent in the oeuvre of the expatriate artist. Cassatt’s ability to imbue everyday moments with psychological depth distinguishes her contributions to the graphic arts. The tight composition and selective use of linear detail highlight the concentration required for the task at hand, focusing the viewer’s attention entirely on the engaged figures.

While widely associated with Impressionism, Cassatt’s dedicated experimentation with printmaking solidified her legacy beyond painting. The Classification of this work as a Print, specifically a drypoint, underscores her technical mastery. She was instrumental in elevating printmaking within the American art world. Today, this important work is housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., where it provides insight into the later career of the renowned artist. Prints derived from works such as this, often available through public domain initiatives, help preserve Cassatt’s legacy for global audiences and students of early 20th-century art.