The artwork, entitled “Back of a Male Figure,” created by William Merritt Chase in 1885, exemplifies the Impressionism art movement. Executed in watercolor, this sketch and study measures 25.4 x 17.78 cm and is currently kept in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a male figure from behind, capturing the intricacies of the human form with an emphasis on light and color, hallmarks of the Impressionist movement. The man’s figure, partially draped in a reddish-brown garment, contrasts against the muted, textured background. The loose and fluid brushstrokes highlight the contours and musculature of the subject’s back, exuding a sense of realism and study in anatomy typical of Chase’s work. The subdued palette and the focus on the natural posture of the figure reflect Chase’s skill in capturing fleeting moments with immediacy and vitality.
