summertime ii c1894 Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844-1926)

The canvas presents a scene steeped in atmospheric ambiguity and familial intimacy. Here we observe two figures – an adult male and a young girl – positioned within what appears to be a small boat on water. The composition is dominated by the undulating surface of the water, rendered with thick, expressive brushstrokes that create a sense of movement and shimmering light. The color palette leans heavily towards blues and greens, punctuated by the white of the figures’ clothing and hats, and the darker tones of the mans headwear.
The adult male is positioned slightly forward, his gaze directed downwards, seemingly focused on something beyond the viewers perspective. He wears a broad-brimmed hat adorned with what appears to be a floral detail, partially obscuring his face. The young girl stands beside him, her posture mirroring his – a slight downward tilt of the head suggests shared attention or curiosity. She is similarly dressed in light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, evoking a sense of innocence and vulnerability.
A single duck floats near the lower edge of the composition, its dark form providing a visual anchor amidst the swirling blues and greens. Its presence introduces an element of naturalism, grounding the scene within a specific environment. The placement of the duck also creates a subtle compositional balance, preventing the figures from dominating the entire frame.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of observation, connection, and the passage of time. The shared focus of the two figures suggests a moment of quiet intimacy – a lesson being imparted, a secret being revealed, or simply a shared appreciation for the natural world. The indistinct nature of their gaze invites speculation about what they are observing, fostering a sense of mystery and encouraging viewer engagement.
The loose brushwork and muted color palette contribute to an overall feeling of nostalgia and tranquility. It is not merely a depiction of a summer day; it conveys a mood – a fleeting moment captured in time, imbued with the quiet beauty of familial connection and the enduring allure of nature. The lack of sharp detail encourages a more emotional response than a purely representational one.