The Lamp

The Lamp, executed between 1890 and 1891, is a significant color print by the American artist Mary Cassatt (1844-1926). This highly complex work represents her profound commitment to graphic media during her mature period, utilizing a demanding combination of color aquatint, drypoint, and soft ground techniques applied to ivory laid paper. The successful technical realization of these innovative prints required close collaboration with the French printer Leroy (active 1876-1900), reflecting Cassatt’s dual cultural immersion in the United States and Europe.

Cassatt, a key figure in the development of Impressionism, turned her focus to printmaking following her exposure to the revolutionary aesthetics of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. This influence is evident in The Lamp, where the composition emphasizes bold outlines and large, flat areas of color, moving away from the deep shadow and precise modeling of earlier Western traditions. The subject, likely an intimate moment illuminated by lamplight, epitomizes Cassatt’s recurring exploration of domesticity and the inner lives of women and children.

The process of creating this work—layering inks via multiple plates using aquatint and drypoint—demonstrates Cassatt's dedication to pushing the boundaries of color prints. The resulting softness of line, achieved through the soft ground technique, contributes to the overall delicate and ephemeral atmosphere. This piece is now part of the distinguished permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago, solidifying its place among the most important graphic achievements of the late 19th century.