Artwork

The Loge [verso]

The Loge [verso], by Mary Cassatt, graphite, 1882
The Loge [verso], by Mary Cassatt, graphite, 1882

The Loge [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Mary Cassatt's *The Loge [verso]* (1882) is a drawing executed in transferred softground with graphite on wove paper, showcasing the artist's characteristic exploration of women's daily lives.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts two women sharing a private moment in a high-ceilinged room with a balcony, conveying quiet intimacy. Their attire and the fan they hold suggest a focus on the mundane, personal aspects of female experience, typical of Cassatt's oeuvre.

Technique & Style

Soft, muted colors and attention to textile details (clothing, fan) reflect Impressionist influences, while the overall composition captures a fleeting, intimate scene, aligning with Cassatt's association with the movement.

History & Provenance

Created in 1882, during Cassatt's time in France as an American expatriate closely tied to the Impressionist circle, particularly Edgar Degas.

Context

Reflects late 19th-century Impressionist interests in modern life's quiet moments, with Cassatt's unique lens on women's social and private spheres.

Legacy

Contributes to Cassatt's legacy of portraying women's lives with intimacy and nuance, influencing subsequent artists in capturing everyday female experiences.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mary Cassatt

Artist

Mary Cassatt

Mary Stevenson Cassatt (; May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.