In the Omnibus - Mary Cassatt

A refined drypoint and aquatint print by Mary Cassatt, capturing a quiet moment between two women and an infant inside a Parisian omnibus.

In the Omnibus is a drypoint and aquatint print by Mary Cassatt, created during her period of intense experimentation with printmaking in the early 1890s. The work depicts a quiet, domestic scene set within the public space of a horse-drawn carriage. Two women sit side by side, one holding an infant wrapped in white swaddling clothes. Through the windows behind them, a simplified view of the Parisian cityscape is visible, suggesting a journey in progress. Cassatt drew significant inspiration from Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which were circulating in Paris at the time. This influence is evident in the flattened perspective, the bold use of colour areas, and the emphasis on line. The composition avoids traditional depth, instead focusing on the arrangement of shapes and the subtle interaction between the figures. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft ochres, muted pinks, and deep blues to define the forms of the clothing and the carriage interior. Unlike many of her contemporaries who focused on the spectacle of Parisian nightlife, Cassatt turned her attention to the private experiences of women and children. The figures in this print appear absorbed in their own thoughts, creating a sense of intimacy despite the public setting. The technical execution demonstrates her mastery of the aquatint process, where she achieved delicate tonal variations through the application of acid-resistant resin. The print captures a fleeting moment of urban life, rendered with a balance of observation and stylistic economy. It remains a primary example of how Cassatt adapted traditional printmaking techniques to explore modern subject matter, moving away from the academic conventions of her training to develop a distinct visual language.