The Corner of the Sofa, No. 3

The Corner of the Sofa, No. 3 is a seminal print created in 1880 by American Impressionist Mary Cassatt (1844-1926). This piece exemplifies her sophisticated mastery of intaglio processes, utilizing both soft ground etching and aquatint on paper. Cassatt, an essential figure in the development of Modern art and printmaking originating from the United States, began seriously experimenting with these techniques during this period, seeking to create technically complex images that mirrored the intimacy and immediacy of her oil paintings.

The composition relies on a precise balance of texture and tone. The soft ground method allowed the artist to capture subtle textures and painterly effects, often replicating the appearance of a pencil or crayon sketch. This delicacy contrasts sharply with the deep, granulated tonal washes achieved through the careful application of aquatint, which lends volume and shadow to the composition. Cassatt’s dedication to the graphic arts established new technical standards, proving that fine art prints could achieve the subtlety and nuance previously reserved for drawing or painting.

While the title suggests a focus on the domestic interior, characterizing the work as The Corner of the Sofa, No. 3, this print primarily functions as an Impressionist study of light and modern private space. Cassatt frequently explored compositions that cropped the figure tightly within these domestic settings, lending the subject an air of candid, unposed observation typical of the movement’s interest in contemporary life. Her significant contribution revolutionized the standing of American artists working abroad. This piece remains an invaluable part of the distinguished collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering crucial insight into the artist’s pivotal shift toward complex graphic compositions.