“Tea Party” or “Five o’clock” 1879-80 92.7 x 64.77 cm Oil, canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA

In addition to the “children’s” theme, Cassatt repeatedly turned to the depiction of the world of women. True, in this matter she was rather constrained, and could develop this theme only within certain limits dictated by the foundations of bourgeois society.

She did not allow herself to appear in the night clubs of the capital, replete with subjects for the impressionists, and “was content” with the living rooms of friends.

The painting “Tea Party” or “Five o’clock” conveys an ordinary, unremarkable scene of a gathering of prim ladies, but so talentedly and truthfully that the authenticity of what is happening is felt even after more than a hundred years.

The viewer can easily describe the lady, part of whose face is covered by the cup: she is from the bourgeois class, but not an aristocrat, pretty, but not fatally beautiful, and social gossip is one of the most pleasant pastimes for her.

The elegance of the scene is emphasized by the contrast of the silver service, brightly and festively sparkling against the background of matte porcelain.

In addition to the “bourgeois”, the painting depicts Mary’s older sister, Lydia, who posed here already stricken with a fatal illness, and a slight sadness is noticeable on her face. The presence of a third character “off-screen” can only be assumed.