Artwork
Afternoon Tea Party
Afternoon Tea Party is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1890, this print combines color drypoint, soft‑ground etching, aquatint and selective gold metallic paint on wove paper.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1890, this print combines color drypoint, soft‑ground etching, aquatint and selective gold metallic paint on wove paper. The work presents an intimate domestic interior where two women share a quiet tea. The composition is rendered in muted tones punctuated by the blue of the teacups and the subtle gleam of gold, conveying a warm, private atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The scene centers on two women seated at a small table, one in a dark jacket with a blue headscarf, the other in a light‑colored dress. The figure in the jacket holds a blue teacup, while additional cups are arranged nearby. A mirror and a potted plant frame the space, suggesting a moment of relaxed conversation and the everyday rituals of feminine social life.
Technique & Style
Cassatt employed a mixture of printmaking methods: color drypoint for fine lines, soft‑ground etching to capture softer textures, and aquatint for tonal washes. Gold metallic paint is applied sparingly to highlight reflective surfaces. The overall effect aligns with Impressionist concerns for light, color, and the fleeting quality of ordinary moments.
History & Provenance
Mary Cassatt, an American artist living in France, produced the work during her mature period, when she was closely linked to the Impressionist circle and maintained a friendship with Edgar Degas. The print was issued as part of her series of color prints exploring domestic subjects, reflecting her sustained interest in the private lives of women.
Context
At the turn of the 1890s, Cassatt focused on scenes of mothers, children, and social gatherings, using print media to reach a broader audience. This work exemplifies her commitment to portraying women's everyday experiences, a theme that set her apart within the largely male‑dominated Impressionist movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.
