In 1890–91, inspired by an exhibition in Paris of Japanese woodcuts—then new to the West and a revelation—Cassatt made a group of ten color etchings, including this print, immediately establishing her fame as a printmaker. This particular impression of The Lamp is an early state, unknown until late in 2000, and probably unique, and it joins at the Yale University Art Gallery Cassatt's drawing used in preparation of the print. The etching, printed from two plates, in black and colors in a close tonal range of russet-brown, violet-brown, and pink, is lively and fresh; the woman looks as though she is just about to speak. The partial coloration of the print—some areas still have no color at all—indicates that it is a work in progress.