“Modern Magdalen” is an oil painting on canvas by William Merritt Chase, completed in 1888. Executed in the Impressionist style, the artwork measures 38.7 by 48.3 centimeters and is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, US. Classified as a nude painting (nu), it captures the essence of the art movement through its use of light and delicate brushstrokes.
The artwork depicts a nude female figure seated on a patterned fabric, her body turned away from the viewer, and her face obscured as she rests her head on her arms. The background features a delicately painted floral motif, which complements the soft, natural tones of the subject’s skin. The position of the figure, combined with the subdued, yet vibrant palette, conveys a sense of introspection and quiet grace, hallmark traits of Impressionist art. The overall composition highlights Chase’s adept skill in rendering human form and texture with emotive resonance.
