The artwork, titled “Miss Minna Simpson,” is a portrait created by the artist Tom Roberts in the year 1886. This piece is affiliated with the Impressionism art movement and exemplifies the portrait genre.
In the artwork, a young girl is depicted wearing an elaborate white bonnet adorned with lace and ribbons, which frames her gentle face. Her expression appears contemplative as she gazes directly at the viewer. The girl is cradling a white cat in her arms, suggesting a scene of serene domesticity. The composition features a table set before her, covered with a fabric that has colored stripes. Various paper cutouts, which appear to be miniature figures, are spread across the table, adding a whimsical element to the otherwise muted and introspective scene. The background remains dark and unobtrusive, ensuring that the focus remains on the girl, her bonnet, and the cat in her care. The artist’s brushwork and use of light evoke the soft, fleeting qualities characteristic of the Impressionist movement.
