The artwork titled “At Play” was created by artist William Merritt Chase in the year 1895. Executed using oil on canvas, this piece is associated with the Impressionism art movement. It measures 184.15 x 92.71 cm and falls within the genre painting category. Currently, it resides within a private collection.
In the artwork, two children are depicted engaging in what appears to be a playful activity. The child in the foreground, dressed in a pinkish dress with a white blouse and black stockings, looks over her shoulder towards the viewer, giving the composition a candid and intimate feel. The other child, slightly turned away in a white outfit, is adorned with a red sash, contributing to the vibrancy of the piece. The artist’s use of a dark background contrasts sharply with the light tones of the children’s clothing, enhancing the sense of depth and focus on the subjects. This painting captures a fleeting moment of innocent play, embodying the Impressionist emphasis on light and momentary snapshots of life.
