The artwork titled “Susan on a Balcony Holding a Dog” was created by the artist Mary Cassatt around 1883. It is an oil on canvas painting that embodies the Impressionist movement, characterized by its depiction of light and candid moments. The genre of this piece is portrait, capturing a personal and intimate moment. Housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, USA, it stands as a testament to the era and Cassatt’s artistic prowess.
In this artwork, one observes a young woman—presumably Susan—seated on a balcony. She holds a small dog in her lap, conveying a sense of domestic tranquility and companionship. The subject is dressed in period attire featuring a large, ruffled white bonnet and a white dress, which reflects the daylight imbuing the scene with a gentle luminosity. The woman’s gaze is directed away from the viewer, possibly towards the urban landscape in the background, rendered with loose brushstrokes typical of Impressionism. This depiction radiates the warmth of an ordinary, serene moment, captured through Cassatt’s distinct, sensitive brushwork, emphasizing the relaxed nature of the scene and the close bond between the woman and her pet.
