The Loge [verso] 1882

Mary Cassatt likely created this print of ‘The Loge’ using drypoint, a printmaking technique where a sharp needle scratches directly onto a copper plate. The incised lines create a burr, which holds ink when printed, resulting in a characteristically soft, velvety line. The material of the copper plate, its capacity to be directly marked and to retain ink, is fundamental to the image. Look closely, and you'll notice that the image hasn’t been overworked. The quickly sketched figures capture a fleeting moment of observation. Cassatt's choice of drypoint, rather than more painterly techniques, speaks to her interest in printmaking as a modern medium, one deeply connected to processes of reproduction and dissemination. Consider the skill involved in wielding the drypoint needle, balancing spontaneity with control. It is not the heroic work of a sculptor. The controlled lines and subtle tonality are carefully worked, and speaks to the artist’s attention to the lives of women in modern society.