“Colesberry Purves,” a portrait by renowned artist William Merritt Chase, was created in 1905 using oil on canvas. This artwork is part of the Impressionism movement and is housed in a private collection. The painting, executed in a formal and refined style, exemplifies Chase’s adeptness at capturing the character and dignity of his subjects.
The artwork depicts an elderly gentleman seated in a wooden armchair against a muted, earth-toned background. The subject, dressed in elegant, dark formal attire, gazes directly at the viewer with a composed and dignified expression. His right hand rests on the armrest of the chair, while his left hand delicately holds a white handkerchief. The artist’s use of soft brush strokes and a subtle palette highlights the texture of the fabric and the subject’s facial features, conveying a sense of depth and realism. The overall composition exudes an air of sophistication and quiet introspection, characteristic of Chase’s portraiture work.
