In the Omnibus [recto] c. 1891

Mary Cassatt sketched "In the Omnibus" as part of a series of color prints that she exhibited in 1891, the only American artist to do so at that time. Cassatt, an American expatriate, lived in France during a period of increased industrialization and urbanization, and she was influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, which gained popularity in Europe at this time. The sketch depicts three figures situated on what we understand to be public transport. In the foreground are two women, the woman in the foreground holds a child. In the background is a man wearing a top hat. Cassatt's choice to represent women in everyday scenarios, such as attending the theater or riding public transportation, reflects the changing roles and visibility of women in Western society during the late 19th century. Yet the women are still very carefully observed, in that their class is apparent through their dress. In her works, Cassatt often explored the intimate relationships between women and children, and she often focused on women's interior lives and experiences within a rapidly changing society. Through this work, she offers a glimpse into the complexities of gender, class, and identity during this period.