Tea and Art: Mary Cassatt

Five O'Clock Tea, also known as The Tea, (oil on canvas) was painted in 1880 by American artist Mary Cassatt.  She was known for her impressionistic works that tended to feature women and children in everyday settings.

The woman on the left is probably the hostess since she's the one not wearing a hat.  I'm wondering why her cup looks as if she never poured any tea for herself - perhaps she's anxious for her guest to be on her way.  The guest is sipping what I imagine to be a lovely tea from China brought by steamship to America.  The guest might be wishing for some sugar but the absence of spoons or tongs in the tea set suggests that she won't be getting any.  Perhaps it's another subtle ploy of the hostess to move her along.

Tea and Art: Claude Monet

Tea is so universally loved that it appears in many artistic forms in the world.  Here is a painting by the French artist Claude Monet (1840-1926).  This painting is called "The Tea Service" and was completed in 1872.  It is oil on canvas and the original is in a private collection in Dallas, Texas.

Monet was a leader in the Impressionism art movement.  He mostly painted landscapes; "The Tea Service" is a rare still life.

The painting includes elements from several cultures, Japanese teacups, Chinese bowl and Brazilian plant on a French tablecloth.

To me, the blending of these cultures in the painting celebrates the worldwide enjoyment and appreciation of tea.