The artwork titled “Lady at the Tea Table” is a creation of Mary Cassatt dating back to 1885. This oil on canvas painting is a quintessential example of the Impressionist movement and measures 73.66 x 86.36 cm. The genre of the painting is classified as a portrait, and it presently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork portrays an intimate scene, casting a woman in a moment of quiet repose as she engages in the ritual of tea. The sitter, captured in profile, emanates a sense of tranquility and introspection. She is attired in a dark dress that provides stark contrast to the light, dappled patterns of her lace-trimmed shawl and the table linen.
Her face is rendered with a softness that is characteristic of the Impressionist style, with gentle brushstrokes outlining her refined features. The application of light imbues her visage with a warm, inviting glow, while shadows play delicately across her countenance. The woman’s gaze is directed away from the viewer, lost in contemplation which adds to the serene atmosphere.
The table before her is set with an array of tea service items, including a teapot, cups, saucers, and a sugar bowl, all of which are depicted with varying degrees of detail and impressionistic brushwork. The color palette mostly consists of harmonized blues, whites, and the muted tones of the figure’s apparel, creating an overall cohesive and calming composition.
Cassatt’s skillful use of light to model the forms and capture the texture of the fabrics and the china is exemplary of her expertise and contributions to the Impressionist movement. The artwork, while appearing informal and candid, exhibits a carefully balanced composition and a masterful handling of color and light, capturing the everyday elegance of a quiet moment in time.
