Mary Cassatt in het Louvre bij de gallerij met Etruskische kunst

About this artwork

stamp:

Art Historical Context

This captivating soft-ground etching by Edgar Degas captures his close friend and fellow artist Mary Cassatt during a visit to the Louvre’s Etruscan galleries around 1879–1880. Degas a leading figure of the Impressionist movement, frequently portrayed modern Parisian life, and here he shows Cassatt absorbed in contemplation before ancient artifacts. The intimate scene reflects the growing cultural habit of museum-going among the educated classes in late nineteenth-century France. The choice of soft-ground etching allowed Degas to achieve delicate, velvety lines that mimic the spontaneity of drawing while retaining the precision of printmaking. Measuring just 27 by 23.6 centimeters, the work rewards close viewing, inviting us to share Cassatt’s quiet concentration. Created during the height of the Impressionist exhibitions, the print underscores the artistic dialogue between Degas and Cassatt, two artists who championed both innovative technique and everyday subjects. Beyond its technical finesse, the etching offers a charming glimpse into the personal and professional bonds that shaped Impressionism. It reminds viewers that the movement celebrated not only landscapes and light but also the intellectual curiosity of modern women.

About the Artist

Edgar Degas · 1834–1917

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) stands as one of the most innovative artists of the nineteenth century, whose distinctive vision transformed how modern life could be depicted on canvas. Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas in Paris to a wealthy banking family—his father French, his mother a Louisiana Creole from New Orleans—Degas received a classical education before abandoning law studies in 1855 to pursue ...