The Letter

The Letter by Mary Cassatt is a complex and highly innovative example of American graphic arts, created between 1890 and 1891. Classified as a Print, this work demonstrates Cassatt’s mastery of demanding printmaking processes, utilizing a combination of color drypoint, softground etching, and aquatint meticulously applied to laid paper. This period, spanning from 1876 to 1900, marked the height of the artist’s engagement with print media, significantly fueled by her exposure to Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints exhibited in Paris.

The subject matter is characteristic of Cassatt’s focus on the private, interior lives of women. The image depicts a figure absorbed in handling correspondence, capturing a moment of quiet introspection or communication. This intimate scene allowed Cassatt to experiment with flat, decorative color planes and strong compositional lines, techniques directly inspired by non-Western art forms. The technical brilliance of the work resides in the integration of various methods; the softground etching captures the texture of fabric and surroundings, while the aquatint provides the subtle tonal gradations necessary for color effects, distinguishing the piece from traditional European etching practices.

Cassatt was renowned among her Impressionist peers for her technical achievements in developing the color print as a fine art medium. Her commitment to capturing the essence of modern domestic life, coupled with her radical approach to composition, established her as a pivotal figure in American art history. This particular piece is a highly celebrated item in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Reflecting its historical importance, this masterwork is often digitized, and high-quality images of many of Cassatt’s The Letter series are widely accessible in the public domain for research and scholarly analysis.