The artwork titled “Back of a Nude,” created by William Merritt Chase in 1888, is a pastel painting that belongs to the Impressionist movement. Measuring 54.61 x 38.1 cm, this piece is classified within the genre of nude painting (nu) and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a serene and intimate scene featuring the back of a nude figure, a woman, seated with her back turned to the viewer. The use of pastel colors creates a soft, almost ethereal quality to the piece, with delicate gradations of light and shadow that highlight the natural contours of the human form. The background is composed of abstract, warm hues that evoke a harmonious, gentle atmosphere, emphasizing the figure’s creamy skin tone and the intricate texture of the draped fabric around her waist. The overall composition reflects the Impressionist style, capturing the essence of the subject through loose, expressive brushstrokes and a focus on the interplay of light and color.
