Mary Stevenson Cassatt traveled from Philadelphia to Paris to study with the Impressionists, particularly Edgar Degas. After achieving critical success at the Paris Salon, she was invited to join the group, which until then consisted entirely of men. Impressionism is most widely recognized in paintings, a medium which Cassatt explored heavily throughout her career. Between 1878 and 1898, Cassatt devoted much energy to printmaking, continuing with the medium towards the end of her career. Cassatt embraced the themes of femininity and maternity in her work, and though she had no children of her own, she often depicted the intimacy of mothers with their children. Denise, the subject of this print, was a professional model often employed by Cassatt. This print was created towards the end of her career, as failing eyesight forced Cassatt to gradually retreat from her work as an artist.
