Repose 1890

Curator: Before us hangs Mary Cassatt's "Repose," created around 1890. It’s an etching on paper. The piece captures a mother holding her child. It exudes such quiet intimacy. Editor: That's exactly what struck me. There's a remarkable tenderness conveyed in the sparse lines. The mother’s gaze is direct, yet gentle, and the way she cradles the child… it speaks volumes. Curator: Cassatt was deeply invested in portraying women's lives and their relationships with their children. In late 19th century art, we begin to see an upswing in the visual valorization of women in a familial and domestic setting. This print would have resonated strongly in its time, when women were entering more and more public-facing jobs, activities and roles. Motherhood starts getting a facelift at the fin de siecle, if you will. Editor: Absolutely. And look at the subtle details. Her modest polka dot blouse gives the etching an approachability to what can otherwise be viewed as untouchably beautiful mothers with children from classical art. The lack of idealization, paired with their downcast yet firm gaze gives them a sense of solemn dignity. Even the title "Repose" speaks of finding calmness in this essential bond. Curator: She's offering the viewer a very modern viewpoint in this positioning. Note Cassatt’s Impressionistic handling of light, even in printmaking. She draws attention to both women’s place in social life as it evolves at this time, and also to art movements by contemporaries such as Renoir, Monet and Manet. The seemingly unadorned state that Impressionists liked to flaunt starts trickling its way to representations of the feminine. Editor: It's the universality, isn't it? Cassatt isn’t merely portraying one woman and child; she is depicting every mother and child, and how motherhood transforms her to project strength and fortitude as the baby's keeper and provider. This sentiment translates, transcends and will continue to move people centuries down the line. Curator: Yes, indeed. Cassatt truly captured a timeless moment. It's fascinating how art from past centuries and generations can mirror a lot of where we are right now. Editor: A gentle yet firm depiction of love, maternal strength and a lasting reminder of the bonds that sustain us all. Powerful indeed.