Art Blog

Mary Cassatt: Prints

THE NATIONAL GALLERY: 22 February - 21 May 2006

Mary Cassatt, 'The Fitting' 1890-91. © National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. Bequest of Guy M. Drummond, Montréal, 1987-12-31.

Mary Cassatt was the only American painter to exhibit with the French Impressionists. Born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1884, she first travelled to Europe to study painting at the age of 21. In 1877 Edgar Degas, who considered that she had 'infinite talent', invited her to exhibit with the Impressionists. Two years later, Cassatt joined Degas and her fellow Impressionist Camille Pissarro in contributing to a journal of original prints. This marked the beginning of Cassatt's desire to make prints alongside her paintings. In 1890 a large display of Japanese art profoundly affected her, and she produced ten colour prints, described by Pissarro as 'rare and exquisite works'.Mary Cassatt was the only American painter to exhibit with the French Impressionists. Born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1884, she first travelled to Europe to study painting at the age of 21. In 1877 Edgar Degas, who considered that she had 'infinite talent', invited her to exhibit with the Impressionists. ...

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