Description

In 1888, Mary Cassatt began to experiment with drypoint, a printmaking technique in which an artist draws directly into a copper plate with a needle. This print belongs to a series that she created at this time, each characterized by a sketchiness akin to drawing. It depicts Mary (Mimi) Johnston, Cassatt's second cousin who traveled frequently to Europe and spent long periods of time in Paris. The artist focused most closely on her sitter's face and unfocused gaze, which suggests a sense of introspection.