In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto]

The work In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto], created by Mary Cassatt in 1880, is an exemplary drawing exploring the intimate yet public spheres characteristic of late nineteenth-century Parisian society. Executed primarily in graphite on wove paper, the classification as a Drawing underscores Cassatt’s technical precision in rendering form and psychological intensity using minimal resources. The composition focuses on a figure, likely a woman, seated within the confines of an opera box, a recurring motif in the artist’s oeuvre that explored modern urban life and the complex dynamic of observing and being observed.

Created during the height of her involvement with the French Impressionists, this piece highlights the artistic achievements of the American expatriate community working abroad during the period spanning 1876 to 1900. Cassatt repeatedly returned to the theme of women in theaters and public settings, capturing moments of solitude and intense observation, often depicting figures utilizing lorgnettes or opera glasses to scrutinize the audience or the stage. Unlike many male artists who depicted women primarily as spectacles, Cassatt frequently approached the subject from the perspective of the female participant, focusing on her agency, posture, and gaze.

The delicate yet structured execution of this graphite sketch demonstrates Cassatt’s foundational mastery of line and composition, skills vital for her subsequent work in painting and printmaking. This preparatory study is highly valued for illustrating the artist’s meticulous process in defining form and shadow before committing to the broader palette of oils or pastels. Reflecting its status as a significant piece of modern art, the work resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to its cultural importance and classification, this American artwork is often sought after; reproductions, including high-quality digital files and fine art prints, are frequently made available through various public domain initiatives.