How Much Is The Tea Worth?

Conclusion: In a hypothetical market scenario (recognizing the work is not for sale), Mary Cassatt’s The Tea would likely command $17–25 million. The painting dates to c. 1880—Cassatt’s prime—and exemplifies her definitive subject of modern women in intimate interiors. It is widely reproduced, deeply cited, and long held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, factors that collectively warrant a significant premium over standard Cassatt results [1].

Benchmarking and comps: Cassatt’s current auction record is $7.49 million, achieved in 2022 for a masterpiece‑quality loge scene on paper (Young Lady in a Loge, Gazing to Right) [2]. Among oils, a strong later work, Children Playing with a Dog (1907), realized about $4.8 million in 2018 (c. $6.0 million inflation‑adjusted) [3]. By comparison, The Tea is earlier, rarer, and art‑historically superior: a prime‑period interior of substantial scale with institution‑grade provenance. Cross‑artist evidence also supports eight‑figure potential for canonical domestic interiors by leading female Impressionists; for example, Berthe Morisot’s Après le déjeuner made £6.98 million ($10.98 million) in 2013 (higher today in real terms). These points justify a multiple of recent Cassatt oil benchmarks and a step‑change above her current headline price on paper.

Scarcity, provenance, and stature: Prime oils from Cassatt’s late‑1870s to early‑1880s peak are exceptionally scarce on the open market; many, like The Tea, reside in museums. The MFA Boston record confirms c. 1880 dating, substantial dimensions (25 1/2 × 36 1/4 in.), early collection by Henri Rouart, the 1912 Rouart sale, subsequent acquisition by dealer Dikran Kelekian, and the museum’s 1942 purchase—an unimpeachable chain that confers confidence and prestige [1]. The work’s frequent publication and exhibition history further underwrite its canonical status.

Market context and timing: The Impressionist category has remained comparatively steady, with high sell‑through and lower volatility than more speculative segments. Analysts note sustained demand and supply constraints; masterpiece‑level material continues to ignite strong bidding [4]. While global art sales softened in 2024, the top end rebounded in late 2025, especially for blue‑chip Modern and Impressionist consignments—an environment in which a museum‑caliber Cassatt could outperform estimates [5].

Key sensitivities: Condition (no public conservation issues are noted in the MFA record) and presentation can fine‑tune the result. Given the work’s status, depth of international bidding, guarantee terms, and competitive private interest would likely determine whether the price lands nearer $17 million (auction baseline) or pushes toward the mid‑$20 millions (private‑treaty outcome). Historically, major Cassatt oils have reset expectations when true masterpieces appear, a pattern that The Tea is positioned to repeat [2][3][6].