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The Cup of Tea facts for kids

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Cassatt Mary The Cup of Tea 1880
The Cup of Tea shows a woman enjoying a cup of tea.

The Cup of Tea is a famous painting by an American artist named Mary Cassatt. She painted it around the year 1880. This artwork uses oil paints on a canvas. It is about 92.4 centimeters tall and 65.4 centimeters wide. You can see this painting today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Mary Cassatt loved to paint scenes of daily life, especially women and children. She made several paintings about the tea ritual during 1880 and 1881. The woman in The Cup of Tea is actually her sister, Lydia, who often posed for Mary. When Mary Cassatt showed this painting at an Impressionist art show in 1881, people really liked it!

About The Cup of Tea Painting

What is 'The Cup of Tea'?

The Cup of Tea is a beautiful oil painting. It shows a woman sitting and holding a teacup. The artist, Mary Cassatt, was known for her gentle and realistic style. She captured everyday moments that feel very real. The painting's size makes it feel like you are right there with the woman.

Who was Mary Cassatt?

Mary Cassatt was an important American painter. She lived from 1844 to 1926. She spent most of her life in France. There, she became part of the Impressionist art movement. Impressionist artists tried to capture the feeling of a moment. They used bright colors and visible brushstrokes. Cassatt was one of the few women in this famous group.

The Story Behind the Painting

The painting shows a woman having tea. This was a common social event during that time. Mary Cassatt's sister, Lydia, was the model for this painting. Lydia often helped her sister by posing for her artworks. Mary Cassatt painted many pictures of women and children. She wanted to show their inner lives and daily activities.

Where Can You See It?

If you visit New York City, you can see The Cup of Tea in person. It is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This museum has many famous artworks from all over the world. Seeing the painting up close helps you appreciate its details.

Why is it Important?

The Cup of Tea was shown at a big art exhibition in 1881. This was an Impressionist exhibition. Art critics and the public praised the painting. It helped Mary Cassatt become even more famous. The painting shows her skill in capturing light and human emotion. It is a great example of her work as an Impressionist artist.

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