Gathering Fruit c. 1893

Mary Cassatt's print, “Gathering Fruit,” captures a serene moment in the domestic sphere. It features a mother and child, set amidst lush greenery, reaching for fruit. The act of offering fruit has rich, layered symbolism. The fruit, vibrant and ripe, evokes themes of fertility, abundance, and the natural cycle of life. One is reminded of the classical Hesperides myth, and their golden apples, or perhaps the Judgement of Paris. We may recall similar motifs in Renaissance paintings, where fruit often symbolizes earthly and spiritual nourishment. The motif of the child reaching for fruit is particularly potent when considering the Christian concept of original sin, yet it is the mother who helps the child take from the tree. This echoes the Madonna figure, who protects the child from the consequences of the Fall. The image thus captures a complex interplay between innocence, desire, and maternal protection. It speaks to the cyclical nature of life and the eternal return of these primal narratives.