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National Museum of Women in the Arts

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.
Mary Cassatt, Maternal Caress, 1890-91; 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
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.

Artwork Details

  • Artist

    Mary Cassatt

  • Title

    Maternal Caress

  • Date

    1890 to 1891

  • 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

  • On Display

    No

The Artist, Mary Cassatt

Recognized as one of the foremost 19th-century American painters and printmakers, Mary Cassatt is known for her prolific career and Impressionist artwork.
Black-and-white photograph of a seated older woman with light skin. She wears a dark dress with a fur stole and long necklace. Her dark hat is adorned with a group of large, wispy feathers and covers her hair. Her expression is open and calm.