Description
Five O'Clock Tea painting by Mary Cassatt is a masterpiece depicting the elegance and sophistication of the social life of 19th century Parisian high society. This work is a perfect example of the impressionist style, characterized by lightness, atmosphere and the capture of everyday life.
The composition of the work is very interesting, since Cassatt uses a diagonal perspective to give depth and movement to the scene. The main figure, a woman sitting on a chair, is positioned in the center of the painting, making her the focal point of the work. In addition, Cassatt uses the technique of light to create different textures and tones in the objects in the scene, such as porcelain, fabric, and skin.
Color is another highlight of Five O'Clock Tea. Cassatt uses a soft and harmonious palette of pastel tones, which create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Pink and blue tones are the most predominant, suggesting a feeling of femininity and elegance.
The story behind the painting is very interesting. Mary Cassatt was an American artist who lived and worked in Paris during the 1870s. She was one of the few female artists to succeed in the dominant male art scene of the time. Five O'Clock Tea was one of the first works Cassatt exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1879, earning him great recognition and prestige.
Finally, a little-known aspect of the work is that Cassatt used her sister, Lydia, as the model for the main figure of the painting. In addition, the work was acquired by the famous American art collector, Louisine Havemeyer, who was a great supporter of the art of women artists such as Cassatt.
In short, Five O'Clock Tea by Mary Cassatt is an Impressionist artwork noted for its artistic style, composition, color, and the story behind the painting. It is a masterpiece that represents the elegance and sophistication of the social life of the Parisian high society of the 19th century.