Having moved to Paris in 1874, the American painter soon joined the ranks of the Impressionists, participating (on the recommendation of Degas) in their 1879 group exhibition. Inspired by her contact with Degas and Pissarro, Cassatt henceforth increasingly devoted her energies to graphic art. This work forms part of a group of five colour prints, created by Cassatt between 1893 and ca. 1895 in conjunction with her famous Japanese series (comprising 10 sheets, ca. 1890/91). Cassatt was one of the very few artists producing hand-coloured aquatints in this period. The colour prints are among the most highly regarded of the artist’s works.