In the Loge

In the Loge was painted just after Cassatt began what would become a lifelong friendship with fellow painter Edgar Degas in 1877. The two painters would go on to inspire and influence each other throughout their careers. Cassatt would go on to paint a collection of paintings in preparation for the 1879 Impressionists Exhibition which Degas invited Cassatt to join making her one of only three women to show with the group and the only American to ever show with the impressionists. Cassatt showed "In the Loge" in Boston in 1878 making it the first Impressionist painting to ever be seen in the United States. Cassatt's painting was a resounding success at the showing as many critics noted that her work had eclipsed the work of many of her male peers. "In the Loge" was not shown at the 1878 Impressionists exhibition however several other paintings by Cassatt were shown and were received very favorably and the entire exhibition was considered the most successful one to date despite the absences of both Monet and Renoir. Mary Cassatt would go on to show at all of the remaining Impressionists exhibitions.