The artwork “In the Garden (aka A Squatter’s Hut, Flatbush or The Old Garden)” is a landscape painting by William Merritt Chase, created in the year 1885. As a prominent example of the Impressionist movement, the painting measures 25.4 by 34.29 centimeters and is part of a private collection. Chase’s work captures the transient effects of light and color, characteristics that are emblematic of the Impressionist style.
Upon observation, the artwork features a verdant garden scene with a variety of flora in the foreground, rich in texture and hues. The artist’s brushstrokes are loose and swift, imparting a sense of vibrancy and movement to the painting. The composition appears to include wildflowers and native plants, with the dense foliage occupying the majority of the visual space. In the background, the indication of a distant landscape can be discerned, possibly portraying the outskirts of a rural settlement or the peripherals of a suburban area resembling Flatbush, as mentioned in one of the alternate titles.
One can note the juxtaposition of the vibrant greens, yellows, and scattered touches of reds and whites, expertly capturing the essence and atmosphere of an outdoor space. The soft blending of these colors conveys the gentle play of light across the scene, inviting the viewer to experience the tranquil beauty of nature as perceived through the eyes of William Merritt Chase. The placement of human habitation in the distance not only provides a sense of scale but also adds a narrative element to the otherwise serene natural setting, insinuating the presence and impact of humanity within the landscape.
