Quiz for Document 26-2: Mary Cassatt, Reading Le Figaro (1878)

1. Document Link

   In what way did Cassatt’s Reading Le Figaro break with cultural and artistic tradition?

   A.

   By presenting a woman as a reader

   B.

   In the choice of reading matter for its subject

   C.

   By choosing an older woman as its subject

   D.

   By not including a man in the scene along with the female reader

   In what way did Cassatt’s Reading Le Figaro break with cultural and artistic tradition?

2. Document Link

   What does this scene suggest about the woman’s background?

   A.

   Her past was difficult, and she had to make do with very little.

   B.

   She lives alone and has very little money.

   C.

   She is wealthy, educated, and therefore afforded leisure time.

   D.

   Her husband is a politician and she is interested in reading about politics.

   What does this scene suggest about the woman’s background?

3. Document Link

   How is this painting a reflection of the period in which it was created?

   A.

   Reading glasses had become affordable for the first time, so older people were using them to read.

   B.

   The late nineteenth century was a tumultuous period, and newspapers were the best way for people to stay up-to-date.

   C.

   Editorials and comic strips were beginning to appear in newspapers all over the country, enticing people to read.

   D.

   Newspapers had already been replaced by the radio, but the wealthy still preferred reading newspapers.

   How is this painting a reflection of the period in which it was created?