Jul 20, 2007

The Fitting

The Fitting

1890–91

Mary Cassatt

(American, 1844–1926)

Drypoint and aquatint

Platemark: 37.4 x 25.7 cm (14 3/4 x 10 1/8 in.); Sheet: 43.5 x 30 cm (17 1/8 x 11 13/16 in.)

Bequest of Lucia McCurdy McBride 1972.240

Catalogue raisonné: Mathews & Shapiro 9, Breeskin 147

State: M & S: VII/VII, B: VI/VI

Location

Description

In this impression, the dress of the seamstress was printed in a darker shade of brown, creating a strong silhouette that anchors the composition. By printing the wallpaper in chartreuse, Cassatt created a plane of decorative pattern whose design echoes the arabesques in the carpet. The Fitting juxtaposes two women of different classes. The young bourgeoisie turns toward the kneeling seamstress who adjusts her hem. Two views of the standing figure's profile are visible as she strikes a self-consciously elegant pose before the mirror, while the face of the dressmaker, absorbed in her work, is hidden.

See also
Collection: 
PR - Drypoint
Department: 
Prints
Type of artwork: 
Print

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