The Bath 1890 - 1891

Editor: Here we have Mary Cassatt's "The Bath," a print from the late 19th century, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. I find the composition so intimate and tender. What can you tell us about its historical context? Curator: Cassatt, as an American artist working within the French Impressionist circle, often depicted women in domestic settings. How might this intimate portrayal of motherhood challenge or reinforce the public's perception of women's roles during that era? Editor: I see how this could reflect a broader shift in the representation of women, away from purely decorative figures. Curator: Exactly. Cassatt presented women performing everyday tasks, imbuing these moments with dignity and quiet strength, influencing the socio-political landscape of art. Editor: It’s fascinating how a seemingly simple scene can hold such layers of meaning. Curator: Indeed, Cassatt's art prompts us to reconsider the cultural value we place on domesticity and the female experience.