“The Lamp,” by Mary Cassatt, is an artwork dating from 1890 to 1891, which exemplifies the artistic movements of Impressionism and Japonism. Created using aquatint, drypoint, and etching on paper, this genre painting measures 30.48 by 43.8 cm. It is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, located in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
The artwork portrays an intimate indoor scene featuring a young woman engaged in a serene moment. The composition is defined by soft, yet deliberate lines that capture the tranquil atmosphere. A lamp with a decorative shade dominates the upper portion of the artwork, its curvilinear form casting a warm ambiance over the scene. The woman, depicted in profile, seems contemplative as her gaze is directed away from the viewer, possibly out of the frame or towards an unseen object of her attention.
She is seated with a sense of casual elegance, her posture relaxed yet composed. Her attire suggests a domestic setting, underscoring the genre painting’s focus on everyday life and personal moments. In her hand, the woman holds an intricately designed fan, a motif that further alludes to the influence of Japanese art, evident in the flat areas of color and the decorative elements within the composition.
The use of light and shadow, alongside the nuanced use of color, creates a striking contrast that adds depth to the two-dimensional medium. Cassatt’s work showcases her skill in blending Western artistic techniques with inspirations from Japanese woodblock prints, which were highly regarded during the Impressionist period. “The Lamp” remains a masterful representation of Cassatt’s contribution to the art world and her adept handling of the aquatint technique to convey a moment of quiet contemplation.
