In the Opera Box (No. 3)

In the Opera Box (No. 3) by Mary Cassatt, created in 1880, is a seminal example of the artist’s dedicated exploration of the printmaking medium during the late nineteenth century. Classified as a print, this piece utilizes the complex combination of softground etching and aquatint on laid paper. Cassatt, an American artist working predominantly in Paris, became deeply involved in graphic arts between 1876 to 1900, experimenting rigorously with technical processes to achieve textures and tonal variations that paralleled the transient light effects characteristic of Impressionism.

The subject matter focuses on the modern social ritual of the theater or opera, a setting that allowed Cassatt to explore the dynamic of viewing and being viewed. The composition often isolates the female figure, suggesting introspection and a thoughtful engagement with her surroundings rather than purely decorative presentation. In this work, the softground etching provides a sketch-like, textural quality to the outlines, moving away from the harsher linearity often associated with traditional etching. The application of aquatint is crucial, allowing Cassatt to achieve subtle gradations of shadow and light, defining the enclosed space of the opera box and emphasizing atmosphere over sharp detail.

Cassatt frequently depicted women navigating the new public spaces afforded to the leisure class, subtly commenting on the constraints and agency available to them in late 19th century Parisian society. Her focus on intimate, yet public, observation secured her status among the pivotal American figures who adapted and contributed significantly to the French Impressionist movement. This important work demonstrates Cassatt’s dedication to developing a refined graphic aesthetic. The sustained quality of her prints from this era has ensured that the graphic output remains highly valued. As part of the significant holdings of the National Gallery of Art, this specific print, In the Opera Box (No. 3), serves as a cornerstone example of Cassatt’s innovative approach to the medium. Many of her important prints are widely studied today, often made accessible through digitized public domain collections.