Zittende vrouw met paraplu

Zittende vrouw met paraplu is a characteristic print created by Mary Cassatt in 1879. This finely rendered composition, executed on paper, exemplifies Cassatt's early exploration of the print medium, a form she would elevate throughout her career. As an expatriate American artist working primarily in Paris, Cassatt was deeply involved with the Impressionist circle, and her graphic works often captured the quiet, intimate moments of modern female life, far removed from academic studio practices.

This work shows a woman seated outdoors, holding an umbrella, likely protecting herself from the sun rather than rain, a common accessory in late 19th-century Parisian society. The subject’s reserved posture and focused attention reflect Cassatt’s commitment to portraying the dignity and inherent complexity of women in contemporary settings. The specific technique employed in Zittende vrouw met paraplu, whether etching, drypoint, or a combination, showcases the linear precision and delicate handling associated with her graphic output of this pivotal period. Cassatt’s prints demonstrate her mastery of draftsmanship and her ability to achieve rich tonal variations using minimal means.

The work is historically significant, representing Cassatt’s transition toward full engagement with printmaking, which reached its zenith in the following decade. This important piece of graphic art is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, contributing to the museum's significant holdings of 19th-century European and American masters. Due to its age and stature, high-quality images of this Cassatt artwork may be available for educational use in the public domain, allowing broader study of her artistic contributions.