Ellen Holding a Cat c. 1887

Editor: This is Mary Cassatt’s "Ellen Holding a Cat," a drypoint and etching print from around 1887. I'm really struck by how delicate the lines are, especially in the background and the cat's fur. It feels intimate, like a private moment. How do you interpret this work, especially considering its historical context? Curator: Considering Cassatt’s focus on domestic scenes and women's lives, it’s important to analyze this etching within the broader socio-cultural context of the late 19th century. How do you think the portrayal of women, especially within the Impressionist movement, might inform our understanding of this piece? Editor: Well, I know Impressionism often captured everyday life, but Cassatt's focus on women and children felt pretty specific. It’s like she's carving out a space for female experience that wasn't really there before. Curator: Precisely. Cassatt used printmaking strategically. Etchings were more accessible than oil paintings, allowing her to reach a wider audience. The image, depicting a child and a pet, steers clear of overtly controversial subjects, thus becoming more palatable to the predominantly male art establishment and a wider public still grappling with changing gender roles. Do you think that choice had any impact on the accessibility, reception and later valuation of her art? Editor: It's a good point. Perhaps that helped her gain recognition. I hadn't thought about the conscious choices behind subject matter in that light. Curator: Her ability to subtly engage with contemporary social norms, making a strong impression is what separates her from her contemporaries, doesn't it? Cassatt didn't have the advantage or latitude to go head-to-head with the male art scene of her time. Editor: Right. Thanks, that definitely changes how I see the artwork, considering the choices Cassatt made within her constraints. I appreciate it! Curator: The pleasure is mine. Now, let's look at how the depiction of cats influenced social perception of the modern household, specifically for the upper class.