First Row at the Opera

Shinn's interest in the theatre grew out of his boyhood fascination with the circus. He often produced amateur theatricals at his studio with the participation of friends and fellow artists. The subject here is a young woman on stage after her performance, gripping her dress in preparation for a bow. She and her two male supporting cast members look to our direction as Shinn has left a gap in the audience in which the viewers can insert themselves into the moment of this well-received curtain call.