Mary Cassatt Denise Holding Her Child, c. 1905; Focusing our attention upon the facial features of Denise and her child, Cassatt removes any of the surrounding details of the space inhabited by the figure.  In doing so, the artist creates an endearing image of a mother and child who patiently sit while their features are noted.

Created c.1905, this etching and drypoint was printed from the original, presumably after Mary Cassatt’s death in 1926.

Gazing to their left, the mother is seated with her child perched to her side.  The mother’s warm and tender embrace keeps her child close to her, wrapping their arms around each other.  From a subject often used by Cassatt, this study of maternal life focuses on the faces of the figures and the body of the child, with the majority of the line work utilized in these areas.  The fine details of the faces and hair create a softened tonality, while the less delineated areas in the upper portion of the mother and lower section of the child make the figures appear as though floating on air.  Beautifully detailed, this work is a reflection of Cassatt’s endless pursuit of perfected draftsmanship and quality.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

This original Cassatt etching is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work) :

1) Breeskin, Adelyn Dohme, Mary Cassatt: A Catalogue Raisonné of the Graphic Work, 1979, listed as plate 204 on page 171.

About the Framing:

Framed in museum-quality, archival materials, this work is set in an Italian-style gold leaf frame.  The shimmering tones of the gold and bronze moulding with a simple green border complements the relaxed, brushed strokes in the work.  L’Ange is completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, finished behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.