The artwork titled “The Balloon” was created by Maurice Prendergast circa 1907. Executed in watercolor on paper, it is a genre painting representative of the Post-Impressionism movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 35.24 x 50.8 cm, and it is housed in the Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork depicts a lively park scene filled with numerous figures engaged in leisurely activities. A wide pathway stretches through the center, flanked by lush, vibrant trees whose foliage is rendered in expressive blue and green hues. At the distant end of the pathway stand an elegant building and a wrought-iron fence, accentuating the sophistication of the setting. Above the scene, a single balloon ascends into a sky painted in rich shades of blue, adding a whimsical touch to the composition. The figures within the park are portrayed with fluid, dynamic brushstrokes, collectively capturing the animated, joyful atmosphere of the gathering. The overall composition exudes a sense of movement and vibrancy characteristic of Post-Impressionist works.
