Who painted After the Bullfight?

After the Bullfight was painted by Mary Cassatt in 1873.

Where can I see After the Bullfight?

After the Bullfight is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is After the Bullfight?

After the Bullfight is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of After the Bullfight?

Museum-quality prints of After the Bullfight are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

After the Bullfight

Mary Cassatt , 1873

After the Bullfight is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

After the Bullfight (1873) is an oil painting by Mary Cassatt, an American artist based in France, associated with the Impressionist movement. The work captures a moment of quiet contemplation, depicting a figure from bullfighting culture in a state of relaxation.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a raseteur (a matador figure) in repose, indicated by his matador attire and relaxed posture, leaning on a railing with a cigarette. His blurred face and downward gaze suggest exhaustion and relief after an event, offering a glimpse into the private moment of a public performer.

Technique & Style

Cassatt employs chiaroscuro, evident in the contrast between the brightly lit cigarette and the shadowed face, emphasizing the subject's introspective state. The Impressionist focus on light and modern life is balanced with a more subdued, introspective tone.

History & Provenance

Created in 1875, the painting is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection. It reflects Cassatt's engagement with French society and her unique perspective within the Impressionist movement, blending observations of modern life with intimate, personal moments.

Context

After the Bullfight situates itself within the Impressionist emphasis on contemporary subjects and the fleeting effects of light. Cassatt's choice of a bullfighting figure, however, adds a layer of cultural specificity, contrasting with her more common depictions of women's lives.

Legacy

While not as widely recognized as some of Cassatt's other works focusing on female subjects, After the Bullfight contributes to the broader understanding of Impressionist diversity and Cassatt's explorations beyond her typical thematic preoccupations.