CASSATT, Mary, Femme Tenant Son Enfant Sur Les Genoux (Mother Jeanne Holding Her Baby)

 Affectionate and maternal, this remarkable original drawing by Impressionist master Mary Cassatt is a rare and wonderful piece, which celebrates maternity and the gentle and intimate relationship between mother and child.

Created c. 1908, this work features the 'Mathilde X' collector's stamp in the lower right. Breeskin notes the piece is also referred to as "Femme tenant son enfant sur les genoux.' This work was exhibited at Galerie AM Reitlinger, 'Dessins, Pastels, Peintures, Etudes par Mary Cassatt.' Acquired directly from Cassatt by her companion and housekeeper Mathilde Valet in 1927, this piece contains a remarkable provenance. Valet's collector's stamp, 'Mathilde X' appears in the lower right hand side of the drawing. Similar stamps appear on the reverse. The piece was sold in the Mathilde X sale in 1931 and again to Durand-Ruel, Paris 1966, remaining in the collection of Mrs. Carroll Petrie to our recent purchase. The piece maintains its original integrity, as it is in superb condition, the pencil drawing is crisp and fresh, and the original frame backing with collector's markings has been affixed to the new frame.

Traditional and expressive scenes of mothers with children remained a consistent source of inspiration for Cassatt throughout her career. Unique original works of this caliber are rare and highly collectable. Collectibility is further enhanced because of the beauty and grace of the figures. The mother, 'Mother Jeanne' possesses a gentle loving expression as she gazes down on the infant child. The child's face is more loosely executed, as described by Cassatt authority Adelyn Breeskin, "a summary sketch of a mother's head looking down, seen in full face, and her baby's head in outline only" (301) . The rarity of this original work cannot be emphasized enough. This is a marvelous piece, essential to any serious collection of original drawings, Impressionist masters, and admirer's of Cassatt.

PROVENANCE:

Acquired directly from the artist by Mathilde Valet in 1927 (housekeeper and personal companion to Mary Cassatt)

Mathilde X sale, Paris 1931

Durand-Ruel, Paris 1966

Mrs. Carroll Petrie Collection

EXHIBITED:

Galerie AM Reitlinger, 'Dessins, Pastels, Peintures, Etudes par Mary Cassatt, 1931 (cat. 146)

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :

1. Breeskin, Adelyn Dohme. Mary Cassatt: A Catalogue Raisonne of the Oils, Pastels, Watercolors, and Drawings. 1970, listed as cat. no.922 on page 301.

2. "Mathilde X" collector's stamp documented as Lugt 2665a.

3. Dessins, Pastels, Peintures, Etudes par Mary Cassatt, 1931 (cat. 146)

About the Framing:
Elegantly framed in a bright and feminine gold moulding with subtle vegetal motif, this work is perfectly complimented by this spectacular custom frame. Framing begins with double layer black linen wrapped mattes, separated by a gold inner fillet. The matting has been gently arched to accentuate the portrait composition. The black mattes compliment the crisp white paper and monochromatic pencil drawing. The bright moulding brings life and energy to the piece, while maintaining the quiet and somber tone of the work. All materials are conservation minded and museum quality. Framing is completed with an archival Plexiglas cover.