A Portrait of the Artist's Mother c. 1889 - 1890

This is Mary Cassatt's etching "A Portrait of the Artist's Mother". Cassatt, an American expatriate, lived and worked in France during a time when women artists navigated unique societal constraints. Here, Cassatt depicts her mother with an intimate gaze, challenging the typical detached representation of women in art. The delicate lines and soft tones evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity. Her mother's thoughtful posture, with her hand gently resting on her face, suggests a moment of quiet contemplation. Cassatt's decision to portray her mother not as an idealized figure, but as a woman of substance, reflects her broader commitment to representing women's inner lives and domestic experiences. The print stands as a tribute to the profound connection between mother and daughter, while offering a nuanced commentary on the representation of women in art.