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

In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto] was painted by Mary Cassatt in 1880.

Where can I see In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto]?

In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto]?

In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto] is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

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

Mary Cassatt , 1880

In the Opera Box (No. 3) [recto] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1880, this graphite drawing on wove paper portrays a woman seated in an opera box, viewed through the artist’s quick, gestural hand. The figure, dressed in a dark gown and elaborate hat, holds opera glasses and looks toward the stage with a faint smile, while the surrounding seats and walls are suggested only by minimal, suggestive lines.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of private observation within a public cultural venue, highlighting the role of women as spectators in late‑19th‑century urban life. By focusing on a solitary, well‑dressed figure, the drawing reflects contemporary interests in the social rituals of leisure and the nuanced experiences of women navigating public spaces.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose, sketchy graphite strokes, the artist emphasizes contour and gesture over detailed rendering. Large areas of untouched paper allow the composition to breathe, while rapid, expressive lines define the woman's face, hat, and dress. This approach aligns with the Impressionist emphasis on immediacy and the fleeting quality of modern encounters.

History & Provenance

The drawing was produced during the artist’s long residence in France, where she was closely associated with the Impressionist circle, including Edgar Degas. Though primarily known for oil paintings and pastels, she frequently made on‑site sketches such as this one, documenting everyday scenes encountered during her Parisian life.