Urgent Museum Notice

Maternal Caress

Close up of Maternal Caress

A print shows a dark-haired, light-skinned woman sitting in a chair before a simple bed and closely embracing a naked infant. The baby’s arm encircles her neck, and their cheeks touch. The lack of shading and the pattern repeated on the back wall and chair flatten the space.
A print shows a dark-haired, light-skinned woman sitting in a chair before a simple bed and closely embracing a naked infant. The baby’s arm encircles her neck, and their cheeks touch. The lack of shading and the pattern repeated on the back wall and chair flatten the space.
Mary Cassatt, Maternal Caress, 1890-1891; Drypoint, aquatint and softground etching on paper, 14 1/2 x 10 9/16 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of John and Linda Comstock in loving memory of Abigail Pearson Van Vleck; Photo by Lee Stalsworth

Artwork Details

  • Artist

    Mary Cassatt
  • Title

    Maternal Caress
  • Date

    1890–91
  • Medium

    Aquatint, Drypoint on paper, Soft-ground etching
  • Dimensions

    14 1/2 x 10 9/16 in.
  • Donor Credit

    Gift of John and Linda Comstock in loving memory of Abigail Pearson Van Vleck
  • Photo Credit

    Lee Stalsworth
  • On Display

    No