“Still Life – Brass and Glass,” created by William Merritt Chase in 1888, is a stunning example of the Impressionism and Realism art movements. The artwork, rendered in pastel on paper, measures 94 x 68.6 cm and resides in a private collection. It falls under the genre of still life, highlighting the artist’s adept skill in portraying everyday objects with elegance and precision.
The artwork presents a meticulously arranged collection of objects on a polished surface. Dominating the composition are a majestic brass vessel and a reflective glass bottle, their luminous surfaces capturing and diffusing light exquisitely. Surrounding these central elements are an assortment of smaller items, including a modest teapot, a few scattered vegetables like tomatoes, radishes, and what appears to be parsley, and a wooden box containing knives or similar utensils. The rich, dark background contrasts harmoniously with the warm, glowing tones of the brass and glass, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. This meticulous arrangement and the delicate interplay between light and shadow exemplify Chase’s mastery in still life, inviting the viewer to appreciate both the simplicity and complexity of ordinary objects.
