In the Omnibus (verso) (c. 1891)

Mary Cassatt's sketch "In the Omnibus (verso)" exemplifies her keen observation and delicate portrayal of everyday life. Rendered primarily in soft pencil lines, this understated sketch captures an intimate moment shared by three figures during a public ride in an omnibus, a common form of transportation in the late 19th century.Within the composition, two women and a child are depicted. One woman, dressed elegantly and wearing a hat adorned with a soft bow, seems to gaze out beyond the sketch, perhaps lost in thought or observing something just out of view. Next to her, another woman focuses her attention on a small child nestled in her lap. The caregiver, depicted with gentle care in her posture and expression, interacts tenderly with the child, embodying a moment of nurturing and familial warmth.Cassatt's art often centered on the social and private lives of women, and "In the Omnibus" is a testament to her focus on the subtle interplay of personal and communal spaces. This sketch not only reflects the physical closeness typical of public transport but also the emotional narratives that play out in these shared spaces. Cassatt's line work is both confident and exploratory, hinting at the depth of character within her figures and drawing viewers into the quiet drama of daily life.