The Modernization of Paris, Gendered Spaces, and the Sexual Politics of Looking

A Comparison of Mary Cassatt’s In The Loge and Edgar Degas’ Woman in a Cafe: Evening

Abstract

This essay, composed for a first-year writing seminar in Art History, compares Mary Cassatt's In The Loge and Edgar Degas' Woman in a Cafe: Evening to examine how gender inequity within 19th century Parisian society affected the works of male versus female Impressionist artists. The author argues that Cassatt’s rejection and Degas’ complicity in the accepted norms of women’s bodies was based largely on the painter’s genders and their asymmetrical (in)access to public and private spheres.

For additional context, listen to the author's reflection on the piece below.