(Pennsylvania/ France, 1844-1926)

The Crocheting Lesson, circa 1902, edition 1/50, state II/II (Breeskin 178)  signed lower right in pencil "Mary Cassatt" and lower left in plate in reverse,  L'Estampe Nouvelle, publisher, with the stamp lower right (Lugt 886), drypoint etching on laid paper with D & C Blauw watermarks, 17-1/8 x 10-3/8 in. (plate) 18-3/8 x 14-3/8 in. (sheet); fine modern gilt wood frame

Notes: Ambroise Vollard acquired Cassatt’s collection of her own prints and drawings and retained them until 1939. He was perhaps one the greatest art dealers and patrons of the 20th century, befriending impressionists and Avante Garde artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Bonnard, Redon, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso, Bonnard, Redon and others. He launched movements such as the Nabis and Fauves as well as focusing on prints, unusual for dealers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This print is the one Cassatt retained for herself. It had never been exhibited prior to the sale held by Adelson Galleries. It is the second state of two, a beautifully and richly inked impression. It is possible to consider this impression the best of the edition for those reasons.