The artwork entitled “On the Water” was completed in 1895 by the American painter Mary Cassatt, who is distinguished for her involvement in the Impressionist movement. Executed using oil on canvas, this genre painting exemplifies the characteristic brushwork and fascination with light known to Impressionism. Belonging to a private collection, the artwork presents a moment of serene domesticity set within a natural aquatic environment.
In “On the Water,” the composition centers on three figures situated in a small boat. The artwork captures the gentle intimacy of a family or companions’ outing, with a woman in the forefront rowing the boat. She is dressed in a white garment that contrasts with the subdued tones of the water, catching the eyes of the viewers with her broad, relaxed strokes synonymous with Impressionist technique. Beside her sits another woman dressed in a warm-toned orange garment, attentively looking down towards a younger child to her right, who is clad in a white dress. Their expressions convey a sense of calm engagement, suggesting a narrative of leisure and familial care. The figures are rendered with the swift, sketch-like quality commonly associated with Cassatt’s contemporaries in the Impressionist circle.
The background is a minimalistic portrayal of water and sky, allowing the viewer to focus on the figures and their immediate interaction with the surroundings, including the detailing of a duck beside the boat adding a touch of liveliness to the scene. The brushwork implies the soft movement of water and gentle light reflecting off the surface, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Cassatt’s choice of perspective—viewing the subjects from above and off to the side—provides a candid glimpse into the moment, imbuing the tableau with a sense of immediacy and the fluidity that defines Impressionist art.
