
Mary CassattAmerican, 1844–1926May one see it?
Chicago, United States
On public display.
1888
Makes the drypoint “Gardner Held by His Mother”
The drypoint “Gardner Held by His Mother” is her earliest dated work on the theme of mother and child, on which her reputation rests (an impression is inscribed “Jan/88”). She had painted a few earlier works on the theme.
1890s
Mentor to young Americans
The 1890s are the busiest and most creative period of Mary’s life: young American artists seek her advice and support, and she introduces Lucy A. Bacon to Camille Pissarro.
1891
Colour prints inspired by Japanese woodcuts
Mary exhibits a series of highly original colour drypoints and aquatints, among them “Woman Bathing” and “The Coiffure”, inspired by the Japanese masters shown in Paris the year before. She was drawn to the simplicity and clarity of Japanese design and its skilful use of blocks of colour.
1891
Bertha Palmer commissions a mural
Chicago socialite Bertha Palmer asks Mary to paint a 12 × 58 ft mural on “Modern Woman” for the Women’s Building at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. Palmer thought Cassatt an American treasure and could think of no one better.