The artwork titled “Simone in a Large Plumed Hat, Seated, Holding a Griffon Dog” is a creation by renowned artist Mary Cassatt, dated circa 1903. It is a portrait rendered in pastel, measuring 66.04 x 53.34 cm, that exemplifies the Impressionist movement. As of the latest information available, the portrait resides within a private collection.
In the artwork, we observe a figure presumed to be Simone seated while holding a Griffon dog. The subject wears a strikingly large plumed hat, predominantly blue in color, which frames the figure’s face and dominates the composition with its vibrant hue and texture. The facial expression is rendered with a soft touch, evocative of a quiet demeanor and reflecting the intimate character of Cassatt’s portraits. The Griffon dog, with its attentive gaze and shaggy fur, is cradled gently by the figure, suggesting a bond between them. The use of pastels has afforded the artwork soft edges and a delicate interplay of light and color, characteristics that are signature to Impressionist works. The portrait encapsulates a moment of serenity between the seated figure and her companion, encapsulating a tender representation of domestic life during the period.
