Peasant Mother and Child c. 1894

Mary Cassatt created this print, "Peasant Mother and Child," using etching and aquatint, processes that demand careful labor. A metal plate is coated, scratched into, submerged in acid, and then inked and pressed onto paper. Cassatt was an American artist working amongst the Impressionists in France, and she was unusual for depicting women in everyday settings. Here, she shows a mother and child, likely working class due to the title, although class distinctions often blur in Cassatt's work. The soft, muted tones achieved through aquatint lend a gentle quality to the image, focusing on the figures' intimate connection. The visible lines of the etching add depth and texture, highlighting the artist's hand in bringing this scene to life. The labor intensive nature of printmaking underscores the value of everyday moments and the dignity of ordinary life. Considering materials, making, and context reveals the full meaning of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.