The artwork titled “I am Going to See Grandma,” also known as “Mrs. Chase and Child,” was created by the artist William Merritt Chase in 1889. It is an exemplar of the Impressionist art movement, executed with masterful brushwork typical of the era. The dimensions of this genre painting are 73.66 x 104.14 cm. This particular piece is renowned for its portrayal of everyday life and the tender relationship between a mother and her child.
In the artwork, the scene unfolds in an elegantly furnished room bathed in diffused, natural light that filters through sheer curtains. At the center, a young child dressed in a pale, ankle-length frock with meticulous pleats and lace detailing stands attentively as her mother, dressed in a sumptuous black gown, seems to be adjusting her attire, perhaps preparing her for the visit to grandma mentioned in the painting’s title. The mother’s attire and posture reveal a mingling of affection and careful attention.
Surrounding them are richly textured elements: a wooden bench with plush, colorful cushions, a delicate, empty gold chair, a patterned carpet, and a wooden floor which shows signs of wear, suggesting a domestic space that is both refined and lived in. To the right, a small dog lies contentedly on the floor, blending in with the elegantly draped pieces of cloth, whilst a toy lies abandoned, perhaps a testament to the child’s interrupted play. The interior is adorned with framed artworks of its own, hinting at a cultured environment, while the glimpse of a blossoming plant on a pedestal adds a touch of vitality and growth, juxtaposing the interior with the world outside.
