Some Speculations and Observations

Not everything about a painting is given directly. The subject portrayed in this painting may be the baby. The oars, the arm of the boatman, and the bottom edge of the sail all direct to the child in the center. The blue used for the boatman's outfit is later reflected in the water. The woman and the baby are the only ones who wear a patterned material. The colors of the woman's hat is so similar to the shore in the background that it would blend in, if not for the sage green that is used two more times in the piece. Once for the sail and the other for the baby's hat. Though the painting contains warm colors it is overpowered by the use of blue which creates a colder atmosphere.