Woman Bathing

"Woman Bathing," created by Mary Cassatt between 1890 and 1891, is a masterful example of the American artist’s profound engagement with graphic arts during the late 19th century. This print, executed using the demanding combined techniques of drypoint and aquatint on wove paper, belongs squarely within the prolific period spanning 1876 to 1900, when Cassatt synthesized Impressionist principles with established printmaking traditions. The deliberate contrast between the sharp, linear quality of the drypoint and the delicate, tonal fields achievable through aquatint allows Cassatt to generate both nuanced textures and atmospheric depth in the interior scene.

The subject matter, focusing on a woman engaged in the intimate, private ritual of bathing, is characteristic of Cassatt’s oeuvre. She consistently sought to elevate scenes of domestic life, imbuing the figures with dignity and quiet concentration. During the 1890s, the artist was profoundly influenced by the compositional structure and flattened perspective of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, an aesthetic shift clearly reflected in this work. The strong outlines and patterns move the piece away from strict Impressionist realism toward a more structurally defined and decorative composition. As a leading American expatriate artist living primarily in France, Cassatt played a critical role in bringing these complex European and Asian influences to the attention of American collectors.

This specific impression of Woman Bathing is recognized for its technical sophistication and its significance within the history of modern prints. Cassatt’s pioneering efforts using multi-plate printing methods secured her position as one of the most important figures in printmaking of her generation. This key work resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, serving as a vital reference point for scholars studying American art during this transformational period. Furthermore, as part of the museum's commitment to accessibility, high-quality reproductions of this masterwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives.