Original lithograph on laid paper with MBM watermark. Signed in the stone by the artist, “Mary Cassatt,” lower right. An impression from the only known state, from an undefined edition. In good condition, framed with conservation materials.

Image size: 20” x 16 7/16”; Sheet size: 22 3/4” x 18 1/16”; Framed size: 33" x 39"
Catalogue reference: Breeskin 198.

Mary Cassatt was born in 1844 in what is now Pittsburg, Pennsylvania as the second daughter of five children to Katherine and Robert Simpson Cassatt. During her childhood, the family moved throughout Europe and spent a considerable amount of time living in Paris. After returning to America and enrolling in classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Cassatt decided she must return to Europe to properly continue her studies and fulfill her desire to become an artist. Cassatt’s career path, while uncommon for women at the time, was ultimately accepted by her parents. She continued her academic training in the Parisian studio of French painter Charles Chaplin [1825-1891], and later pursued independent studies at the Louvre and the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.

Her association with the French Impressionists was solidified with Edgar Degas’ invitation to join the La Société des Independents. It was thanks to Degas’ friendship and encouragement that Cassatt began her illustrious career in printmaking. Cassatt’s graphic works mostly consisted of etchings, drypoints and aquatints with relatively few lithographs. Sara Wearing Her Bonnet and Coat is only her second lithograph of the small number that she created during her career.

Cassatt is best known for her unstylized prints depicting maternal and intimate moments of women and children. As in this image of Sara, Cassatt depicted many girls wearing fanciful hats and ribbons in the early 1900s. It is unknown who these young girls were but Cassatt’s most common models were named “Sara,” “Margot,” and “Simone.”