Prints
By the Pond
By the Pond, created late in Mary Cassatt's career, demonstrates her interest in Japanese woodblock prints. Her use of vibrant color, minimal lines, and flattened perspective was typical of her style both as a painter and printmaker.
Although she was aware of the printmaking revival taking place in France and the United States, Cassatt was hesitant to begin etching because of its reputation as a craft rather than a respected art form. However, the freedom of expression enjoyed by painter-etchers attracted her to the medium. As Cassatt worked to establish herself as an artist among the French Impressionists, printmaking allowed her to refine her drawing ability and to publicize her work.
Although she was aware of the printmaking revival taking place in France and the United States, Cassatt was hesitant to begin etching because of its reputation as a craft rather than a respected art form. However, the freedom of expression enjoyed by painter-etchers attracted her to the medium. As Cassatt worked to establish herself as an artist among the French Impressionists, printmaking allowed her to refine her drawing ability and to publicize her work.
