Who painted Summertime?

Summertime was painted by Mary Cassatt in 1898.

Where can I see Summertime?

Summertime is held by Hammer Museum.

What movement is Summertime?

Summertime is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Summertime

Mary Cassatt , 1898

Summertime is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Hammer Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1898, Summertime is an oil painting by Mary Cassatt, an American artist who spent the bulk of her career in France. Executed within the Impressionist idiom, the work depicts a tranquil river scene and is part of the Hammer Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents two women seated in a modest green rowboat, their light dresses and hats catching the gentle summer light. White ducks glide nearby, while a verdant shoreline and blue sky frame the composition, suggesting a leisurely outing that emphasizes quiet companionship and the everyday pleasures of leisure.

Technique & Style

Cassatt employs the soft, broken brushwork typical of Impressionism, allowing light to filter through the foliage and water. A palette of muted greens, blues, and pale neutrals conveys a calm atmosphere, while the loose handling of form creates a sense of movement without sacrificing the intimacy of the scene.

History & Provenance

After completing the painting, Cassatt exhibited it alongside her Impressionist peers, a practice encouraged by her friendship with Edgar Degas. The work eventually entered the holdings of the Hammer Museum, where it remains on view as part of their American art collection.