The artwork “In The Omnibus” by Mary Cassatt was created circa 1891 and exemplifies the Impressionism movement. A genre painting executed using drypoint and etching techniques, it measures approximately 27.31 by 37.8 centimeters. Although the piece is retained within a private collection, it remains an important example of Cassatt’s exploration of contemporary life and the experiences of women in the modern world.
The artwork depicts an intimate scene within a public space—an omnibus or a horse-drawn carriage designed for passenger transport. The focal point of the composition is the interaction between two women and a child. The woman in the foreground appears to be seated and looking out of the omnibus, with her hand gracefully poised near her face in a thoughtful or observant gesture, perhaps indicating a moment of contemplation or curiosity about the scenes outside. The child, cradled by the woman next to her, looks out as well with a less discernable expression. The setting is suggested by the window frames that compartmentalize the background into sections, revealing different outdoor scenes, including a bridge and a body of water.
Through her work, Mary Cassatt often captured the nuances of social dynamics and the experiences of women in everyday scenarios. This artwork, with its delicate lines and figures engaged in a common activity, provides insight into the era’s social environment from an intimate, personal perspective.
