The artwork “Woman by a Window Feeding Her Dog,” created circa 1880, is an oil on canvas portrait by the artist Mary Cassatt, a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement. This piece belongs to the genre of portraiture and is currently housed within a private collection.
The artwork features a domestic scene that captures a moment of tender interaction between a woman and her dog. The composition is structured around the figure of the woman, shown in profile as she sits by a sunlit window. The presence of natural light plays a significant role in the painting, illuminating the woman’s face and creating a warm ambiance within the space. Her attire suggests a certain level of refinement and the period of time typical of Cassatt’s works. The dog is attentively looking up at her, possibly waiting to be fed, which introduces an element of narrative and implies a bond between the two subjects.
The painting is executed with the loose, expressive brushstrokes characteristic of Impressionist techniques, suggesting form and depth through color and light rather than precise detail. The color palette is soft, but varied, highlighting the contrast between the bright light from the window and the rich interior colors of the room. Cassatt’s use of brushwork to render the textures of the woman’s dress and the dog’s fur underscores the immediacy and intimacy of the scene. This artwork exemplifies Cassatt’s interest in the lives and private moments of women, offering a glimpse into their inner worlds and personal bonds.
