American Art

Provenance:

Adelson Galleries, New York

Exhibited:

New York, Adelson Galleries, Art in a Mirror: The Counterproofs of Mary Cassatt, November 1, 2004 - January 14, 2005, no. 46, p. 127, illus.

Lot note:

In addition to her extensive work in oil, Mary Cassatt also excelled at the printed medium, especially favoring etching and drypoint and ramping up her production during the 1890s. Her Parisian dealer, Ambroise Vollard, became instrumental in her interest in printmaking. He noticed the high appeal of prints, which were perceived as a bridge between fine art and popular trends, and saw an opportunity: while large productions of prints would sell well, he insisted on connoisseurship and artistic vision as well. It is no surprise, then, that Vollard also championed Cassatt’s production of pastel counterproofs, approximately between 1889 and 1913.

A counterproof is created by applying a damp sheet of paper to the surface of a work in pastel before rubbing or running it through a press, resulting in a mirror image of the original. It is not an exact mirror, however, since the image is rendered in flatter and softer tones. The pastel medium, which fell out of favor with the advent of Romanticism, became fashionable again with the Impressionists, as it allowed for subtle palettes and airy visual effects. Renoir and Degas, Cassatt’s close friend, are also known to have produced pastel counterproofs.

In 2004, Adelson Galleries curated “Art in a Mirror,” a landmark exhibition of Cassatt’s pastel counterproofs, shedding light on this little-known medium and practice by the artist. The exhibition recorded more than 130 counterproofs, from 67 pastels, and a substantial number of counterproofs are believed to be the only remaining trace of the original pastel. Among the counterproofs offered here, only Young Woman Reflecting (lot 55) and Head of Adèle (No. 4) (lot 58) are from known pastels listed in the Breeskin catalogue raisonné, while the rest are from pastels that are unaccounted for.

Though technically derived from pre-existing original works, Cassatt’s counterproofs are arguably works of art in their own right, not mere reproductions. Jay E. Cantor, in his essay “Vollard is a Genius in his Line” published in the Adelson exhibition catalogue, speculates that she likely viewed the medium as a worthy creative experiment: the counterproofs “offered an occasion for innovative reworking. Since the image was reversed, it became, in effect, an entirely different and original work to be confronted on its own term” even though “there is no clear evidence of the degree to which [they] may have been used in this way.” (p. 18). Stylistically, the counterproof process further flattened the image and amplified the evocative, subdued, ethereal tones already displayed in the pastel works. These features, reminiscent of the symbolist aesthetic of the time, especially in the Vollard circle, make Cassatt’s counterproofs a distinct body of work within her oeuvre.

The imagery of motherhood and early childhood is recognizably personal to Cassatt, and the present selection offers a glimpse into her characteristic handling of the subject. As argued by Pamela Ivinsky in her “After Impressionism: Cassatt’s Counterproofs and her Later Career,” also featured in the exhibition catalogue, her rendering of motherhood emphasizes its engrossing element, with the use of the profile and of the maternal gaze directed at the child, not at the viewer. It is a depiction imbued with utmost sensitivity and intimacy, making the maternal bond intangible, nearly lost to viewers as it resides strictly in the space shared by the absorbed mother and her child. The immaterial depth of the maternal bond reflects the diaphanous aesthetic of the image, coalescing in one gesture the narrative and artistic elements of Cassatt’s work.

Framed: 33 1/2 x 29 1/2 inches.
Sheet: 24 5/8 x 21 1/2 inches.

Backed to heavy wove paper; hinged to backing board on upper right and left corners verso; uneven toning around image perimeter; two vertical creases each to Japan paper that extend along right and left sides; one horizontal crease through the center of the Japan paper, not affecting the girl; pinpoint brown and black spots scattered around the margins, possibly inherent to the paper. Additional images available upon request.

Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold “as is,” in the condition they are in at the time of the auction. The physical condition of lots can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to inspect a lot personally or through a knowledgeable representative prior to bidding. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Prospective buyers must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction, and it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that they have requested, received and considered any condition report.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.