In the Opera Box (No. 3)

c. 1880

Mary Cassatt

Associated Names
Mary Cassatt

Artist, American, 1844 - 1926

The image shows a bust-length view of a person. The person is facing slightly towards the viewer with their attention directed to the front. Their facial features are rendered with simple lines and shading, suggesting a soft and calm demeanor. The person's hair is short and depicted with simple strokes. They are wearing a garment that covers the shoulders. The person is holding a large fan in front of them, featuring a series of lines radiating from a central point. The background consists of abstract swirling shapes suggesting drapery or cloth. The signature "Mary Cassatt" is located in the lower right corner of the image.

Media Options

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On View

West Building Main Floor, Gallery M88

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    softground etching and aquatint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 20.64 × 18.73 cm (8 1/8 × 7 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1946.21.81

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Breeskin 1979, no. 22, ii/iv

More About this Artwork

The image depicts a seated woman wearing a large coat and skirt. She is seated with her body angled to the side, head turned slightly towards the viewer. The woman has delicate facial features, with her hair covered by a fluffy hat. Her hands are resting in her lap as she sits on a wide chair. She is not wearing any visible jewelry or holding any objects. The background features simple vertical lines resembling a plain interior wall, creating a minimalist setting.

Interactive Article:  Mary Cassatt, the Daring Printmaker

The pioneering American impressionist was one of the most innovative printmakers of her generation.

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Robert Hartshorne (1866-1927), New Jersey (Lugt 2215b); (sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 23 January 1946, lot 27); Lessing J. Rosenwald, Jenkintown, PA; acquired 1946 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1979

  • Breeskin, Adelyn Dohme. Mary Cassatt: A Catalogue Raisonné of the Graphic Work. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1979, no. 22, ii/iv.

Inscriptions

recto: below image, at right, in graphite: Mary Cassatt; along bottom in graphite in later hand: E1177- NY302 ab R.H.; verso: at lower left in graphite in later hand: E1177 MOA; at lower right in graphite in later hand: C47

Markings

recto: none; verso: Robert Hartshorne (Lugt 2215b) and National Gallery of Art

Watermarks

shield with fleur de lys

Wikidata ID

Q65081025

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