The Lamp

"The Lamp" is an important example of printmaking by the renowned American artist Mary Cassatt, created between 1890 and 1891. This intimate domestic scene utilizes the demanding processes of drypoint and softground etching, meticulously executed on wove paper. Cassatt, who was heavily influenced by Japanese woodblock ukiyo-e prints during this period, masterfully combined these intaglio methods to achieve subtle tonalities and varied line weights. The softground technique allowed her to capture textures and broad strokes reminiscent of drawing, while the drypoint added sharp, velvety lines, particularly visible in the delineation of the figure and the critical light source.

This work falls squarely within the 1876 to 1900 period, representing a significant era for American Impressionism and the exploration of modern domestic subjects. Cassatt frequently focused on scenes of women in private settings, emphasizing quiet moments of contemplation or domestic interaction. Although living primarily in France, the artist remained deeply rooted in American culture, and her contribution to the graphic arts during this transitionary time was profound.

The visual focus of the print is the quality of artificial light. The lamp itself illuminates the central figure, creating dramatic chiaroscuro effects typical of late-19th-century artistic explorations of interior illumination. This intimate setting transforms an everyday moment into an evocative study of form and shadow, demonstrating Cassatt’s skilled handling of composition and line. This particular impression of The Lamp is preserved within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As one of the most innovative prints produced by Cassatt in the 1890s, the piece exemplifies her modern approach to the graphic arts. High-resolution images of the piece, often classified as being in the public domain, ensure that these masterful prints remain accessible to students and researchers globally.