The artwork titled “At the Theater” is a creation of the artist Mary Cassatt dating from 1878 to 1879. It represents the Impressionism movement, a genre known for its loose brushwork and emphasis on the effects of light. Specifically, this art piece is categorized as a portrait and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork features a young woman in a profile view, her gaze directed away from the viewer, suggesting contemplation or engagement with an unseen event, possibly the theatre performance referenced in the title. She holds an ornate fan, which features prominently in the foreground against her lightly colored garment—perhaps a dress suited for the occasion. Cassatt’s use of brushwork imbues the painting with a sense of immediacy and intimacy, while the soft, blending colors contribute to the overall impressionistic quality of the piece. The color palette is warm, with yellows and creams dominating the background, creating a contrast to the cooler tones of the subject’s profile and the gentle pinks of her attire. The painting captures a moment of private reflection, with a harmonious balance between subject and environment typical of Cassatt’s sensitive approach to portraiture.
