“Near the Beach, Shinnecock,” created by William Merritt Chase around 1895, exemplifies the Impressionist movement. This landscape artwork, executed in oil on canvas, measures 76.1 by 122.3 centimeters and is currently housed in the Toledo Museum of Art in Toledo, Ohio, USA.
The artwork captures a serene, expansive coastal scene under a broad, lucid sky. Depicted are lush, grassy fields gently merging with the distant waters, characterized by soft, fluid brushstrokes typical of Impressionist painting. In the foreground, three figures in light, airy attire can be discerned, likely enjoying a leisurely stroll – one figure stands still while holding a parasol, and the other two figures move gracefully across the field. The clear blue sky and the tranquil sea horizon highlight the vastness and beauty of nature, evoking a sense of calm and peacefulness. The overall atmosphere of the piece reflects the idyllic and harmonious relationship between humanity and nature as portrayed through the Impressionist lens.
