Lady in Black, in a Loge, Facing Right c. 1881

Mary Cassatt made this drypoint print on paper, titled “Lady in Black, in a Loge, Facing Right.” Cassatt was a true master of printmaking, and her technical skill is evident in the rich textures and fine lines of this work. The drypoint process involves scratching directly into a metal plate with a sharp needle. The burr created by this process holds ink, resulting in a velvety, slightly blurred line when printed. Look closely, and you can see the delicate network of lines that define the woman's figure, the folds of her dress, and the details of the theater box. The density of these lines creates areas of deep shadow, while the sparse use of line in other areas allows the paper to show through, creating highlights and a sense of atmosphere. It’s a labor-intensive process, demanding both physical strength and artistic sensitivity. Appreciating the craft involved challenges any divide between so-called ‘high art’ and the skilled labor of making.