The Corner of the Sofa (No. 3)

The Corner of the Sofa (No. 3) is a pivotal graphic work created by Mary Cassatt in 1879, demonstrating her early mastery of reproductive media. This highly refined example of period prints utilizes the complex combination of softground etching and aquatint. The softground technique allowed Cassatt to capture the granular texture and subtle lines often found in preparatory sketches, linking the work to the Impressionist desire for spontaneity. Complementing this, the aquatint provided rich tonal variations and nuanced shading, crucial for depicting the subtle atmosphere and light of an intimate interior setting.

Executed during the crucial period of 1876 to 1900, the piece showcases Cassatt's dedication to capturing candid, modern domesticity. Although she was based in Paris and heavily influenced by French Impressionism, Cassatt remains one of the foremost American artists of her generation, utilizing her artistic platform to elevate scenes of everyday female life. The work focuses intensely on a specific, quiet moment: the corner of a sofa, implying the presence of a resting figure or the momentary pause in a domestic routine. This focus on intimate viewpoints defined Cassatt’s oeuvre, separating her from contemporaries who prioritized grand historical or urban scenes.

Cassatt’s ability to manipulate the demanding process of acid and plate results in a print characterized by both technical precision and visual softness. Her sophisticated exploration of graphic techniques, often encouraged by her colleague Edgar Degas, solidified her role as a master printmaker. This significant work is preserved within the collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a key example of late nineteenth-century graphic arts, the 1879 print is frequently studied by researchers and is available through resources made accessible as public domain material, furthering the study of Cassatt’s revolutionary approach to interior portraiture.