The artwork titled “Mrs. Meigs at the Piano Organ,” created by the esteemed artist William Merritt Chase in 1883, is an exemplary piece within the Realism movement, rendered in oil on canvas. Measuring 65.9 x 47.3 cm, this genre painting is part of a private collection, thus not accessible for public viewing.
In the artwork, we observe a woman seated at a piano organ, engaged in playing music. Her back is turned towards the viewer, and she is adorned in a flowing white dress with a distinct blue sash around her waist. The interior setting is intimate and warmly lit, with the sheet music placed before her and other personal items scattered atop the piano. The wooden piano organ is detailed with a rich, dark finish, and the surrounding environment suggests a comforting, domestic space. The portrayal of ordinary life, emphasized by the simplicity and tranquility of the scene, encapsulates the essence of realism, and demonstrates William Merritt Chase’s mastery in capturing the subtleties of everyday existence.
