“May I Come In,” an exquisite piece by William Merritt Chase executed around 1883, exemplifies the Impressionist art movement. Crafted using pastel, this interior genre artwork measures 88.9 by 63.5 centimeters and resides in a private collection.
The artwork vividly captures a moment frozen in an elegantly furnished room characterized by a rich, dark palette. A lone female figure, donned in a dark garment and hat, partially concealed by a curtain, tentatively peeks into the room, introducing an element of curiosity and suspense. The composition is anchored by a grand, ornate golden frame that enhances the surrounding pieces, including a plush, tassel-adorned chair, and a mix of a copper pitcher and a dark earthen pot that rest against a subtly textured green wall. The meticulously detailed handling of light, shadow, and texture illustrates Chase’s mastery and contributes to the contemplative atmosphere of the scene.
