The Corner of the Sofa, No. 3 c. 1880

Mary Cassatt, a leading figure in the Impressionist movement, created "The Corner of the Sofa, No. 3" using etching and aquatint, techniques that allowed for nuanced tonal variations. During the late 19th century, the traditional roles of women were being questioned, and Cassatt, an American expatriate in Paris, often depicted women in domestic settings but with a distinct perspective. Here, the woman isn't merely decorative; she is contemplative, poised at the edge of the sofa, seemingly caught in a moment of introspection. Cassatt, who never married, was aware of women’s restricted roles and often challenged traditional representations. She creates an intimate, emotionally charged space, inviting viewers to consider the inner lives of women beyond societal expectations. This etching subtly develops alternative narratives by focusing on the quiet, internal experiences of her subjects.