The artwork titled “Afternoon In The Park” was created by the artist William Merritt Chase in the year 1890. This piece is a genre painting executed in pastel on canvas, measuring 39 by 48.3 centimeters. It exemplifies the Impressionist art movement and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork captures a serene moment. It features a young woman seated on a folding park chair. The woman, dressed in a flowing pink dress with white lace detailing, has her hand gently raised to her neck, suggesting a moment of contemplation or repose. Notably, she wears a vivid red hat, which stands out as a focal point against the softer shades of her attire and the surrounding landscape. The hat, together with the red belt cinching her waist, adds a pop of color that enlivens the composition.
In the background, one can observe the lush setting of a park, painted with dappled light that filters through the leaves, creating a pattern of light and shadow on the ground. The trees and foliage are rendered with loose, quick brushstrokes typical of Impressionist technique, aimed at capturing the fleeting effects of light rather than providing a detailed botanical study. The bench and figures in the distance, though scarcely detailed, contribute to the sense of leisurely activity within a public space. This scene conveys an atmosphere of genteel relaxation and the fleeting beauty of an idyllic afternoon in the outdoors.
