Woman Bathing

Mary Cassatt's "Woman Bathing" (1890–91)

"Woman Bathing" by Mary Cassatt is a notable example of the artist's exploration of the intimate and everyday moments of women's lives. Created using color aquatint with drypoint from three plates on off-white laid paper, this work reflects Cassatt's mastery of printmaking techniques. The piece is part of a series influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, which Cassatt encountered at the 1890 exhibition of Japanese art in Paris. This influence is evident in the composition's flat planes and emphasis on pattern, which marked a departure from traditional Western art perspectives. Cassatt, an American expatriate, was a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement and one of the few women to exhibit with the group. Her work, including "Woman Bathing," played a crucial role in redefining the representation of women in art during the late 19th century.

"Woman Bathing" by Mary Cassatt, created in 1890–91, is an exemplary work of Impressionism, utilizing color aquatint and drypoint techniques from three plates on off-white laid paper to depict an intimate domestic scene. The artwork reflects Cassatt's focus on the private lives of women, capturing a moment of personal care with subtle color harmonies and delicate line work.