In the Opera Box (No. 3) c. 1880

Mary Cassatt created this etching, 'In the Opera Box (No. 3),' using drypoint and aquatint. The scene unfolds in a muted palette, dominated by subtle tonal variations achieved through intricate lines and textured surfaces. A woman, adorned with a ribbon, is depicted holding a large fan. Cassatt masterfully employs line and form to create a complex interplay between visibility and concealment. The fan held by the woman serves as a semiotic device, obscuring parts of her face, introducing a psychological element of privacy within the public setting of the opera. The composition subtly destabilizes traditional portraiture by creating a modern commentary on femininity, spectatorship, and the act of seeing itself. Cassatt’s deliberate use of aquatint, combined with her skill with drypoint, enhances the textures and adds depth. This invites us to consider the painting's form and its subtle dialogue with social and cultural norms.