Reading the Newspaper, No.2 c. 1883

Curator: Looking at "Reading the Newspaper, No.2" by Mary Cassatt, made around 1883, what stands out to you? It’s an etching and drypoint on paper, currently residing here at The Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: Initially, a sense of quiet domesticity washes over me. The monochromatic palette combined with the impressionistic lines creates a hazy, dream-like tableau. Curator: Yes, the intimacy is key. Cassatt, while working within Impressionist circles, frequently depicted women in private settings. Here, we see a woman completely absorbed in her newspaper. Consider what the act of reading, particularly a newspaper, symbolized in the late 19th century. Editor: It certainly speaks to a level of education and access previously unavailable to many women. This image disrupts traditional gender roles subtly, showing her engagement with the world beyond the home. The lamp almost seems to emphasize the enlightenment she gains. Curator: Precisely! And observe how Cassatt frames her subject. The strong vertical lines behind her are quite assertive against the curves of her form, giving the viewer a stable structure amidst an otherwise fleeting moment. How might that affect the piece? Editor: The dark lines of the lampstand draw your eye back to her. The use of etching and drypoint helps to capture textures and create depth. Even though it’s monochrome, the variety of tones and the intricate details hold the viewer’s attention. I see those details in her hair and the newspaper font as strong visual weights in this print. Curator: Many women artists throughout time use similar motifs and techniques for representing femininity in their lives and cultures. By situating this lady with a book and then with a newspaper, she continues the act of representing self-expression, education and intellectual independence of women. The newspaper acts as both symbol and sign of this important element. Editor: Cassatt gives us a glimpse into a woman’s interior world during a pivotal time of change. This is such a brilliant exploration of that shift within Impressionism. Curator: It's interesting to consider Cassatt's own biography here as a woman creating a dialogue for modern and ancient interpretations of female art with potent visual narratives of gender equality. Editor: Definitely a worthwhile exploration into visual memory, and social issues for sure. I enjoyed it.