The artwork “Summer’s Day” is an oil on canvas genre painting by the renowned artist Berthe Morisot, created in 1879. This piece is a representation of the Impressionist movement, known for its vivid portrayal of light and the visible brushstrokes. The dimensions of this artwork are 75.2 cm by 45.7 cm. Currently, “Summer’s Day” is housed within the National Gallery in London, UK.
In “Summer’s Day,” the composition captures a serene moment of leisure. Two women can be seen enjoying the tranquility of a boat ride, with the atmosphere of a warm, sunny day rendered through quick, loose brushstrokes that reflect the Impressionism aesthetic. The woman in the foreground is dressed in a light, patterned gown with a fashionable hat accented with blue, possibly indicating a sense of elegance and grace. This figure’s companion, also adorned with a hat, is shown in profile and appears to be engaging with the water beside the boat, suggesting an interaction with the setting. The background is composed with dappling light that filters through the trees and reflects off the water’s surface, enhancing the sense of a fleeting, ephemeral moment captured in time. The vibrancy of the natural surroundings, the dynamics of the brushwork, and the delicate play of light and shadow on the figures’ attire contribute to the overall sensation of a summer day, encapsulating Impressionist principles of portraying the sensory effects of a scene.
