Summertime by Mary Cassatt Postcard

Summertime’ is a distinct composition due to its equal distribution of attention and focus on the figures and the landscape. The blue, red, orange, and green brushstrokes on the rippling water, as well as the gliding of the small duck towards the boat, produce a particular movement to the scene that attracts the viewer’s attention. The figures are likewise captivating. As the woman and child lean over the edge of the boat to gaze at the waterfowl, a close proximity of the figures is formed, suggesting a devoted relationship between them, and fostering a warm, emotional response from the onlooker. The various, vibrant hues create multiple reflections on the water that emphasize the perception of depth.