The artwork, titled “Reclining Nude,” was created by William Merritt Chase in 1888. Executed in pastel, this piece represents the Impressionist art movement and is classified under the genre of nude painting (nu). The dimensions of the artwork are 27.62 x 50.17 cm, and it is currently part of a private collection.
In this piece, a nude female figure is depicted lying on her side with her back turned to the viewer. The pastel medium is utilized to softly blend the figure into the surrounding muted tones, creating an ambient and tranquil mood. The artist’s technique showcases the nuanced play of light and shade over the form, highlighting his adeptness in capturing the human anatomy with delicate, fluid strokes. The background is rendered in loose, abstract brushstrokes that complement the subtle realism of the figure, embodying the core principles of Impressionism in its focus on light, color, and the informal composition.
