The Opera Tattler

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In the Loge (1878)

In-the-loge

In the Loge, 1878
Mary Stevenson Cassatt, American, 1844–1926
81.28 x 66.04 cm (32 x 26 in.)
Oil on canvas
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

I've never thought too much of Impressionism in general or Cassatt in particular, but this opera painting did catch my attention on a recent jaunt over to Boston. The painting compares favorably to Renoir's La Loge (1874), the woman in Cassatt's painting seems more self-possessed, her look less blank than the smiling one in Renoir. Of course, I'm partial, everyone knows I do like a nice hat.

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5 responses to “In the Loge (1878)”

  1. graustark Avatar
    graustark

    The “Women Impressionists” exhibition at the Legion of Honor will be on display for another month. Cassatt is one of the four artists whose works make up the exhibition.

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  2. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    This just reminded me that I’ve been waiting a year to see the Cassatt/Morisot exhibition at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. It’s on until September 21.

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  3. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    I heard about it on the radio, and really should go given I have a membership. Thanks for the reminder.

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  4. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I’ve always liked the fact that, while she watches, there appears to be a man in a facing loge watching HER.

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  5. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    Very good point! It gives the picture a sense of dynamism, and it also pulls in the viewer. She looks out but away from the us, the man in the back looks at her but also out at the us, and we look in.

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