“Still Life with Fish,” an artwork by William Merritt Chase, masterfully rendered in oil on canvas, belongs to the Realism art movement. The dimensions of this still life painting are 74.61 x 91.44 cm, and it is currently part of a private collection.
The artwork presents a meticulous and realistic depiction of fish laid out on what seems to be a kitchen or dining table. The fish, captured with remarkable detail and lifelike quality, reflect Chase’s adept skill in achieving textural and chromatic verisimilitude. The dark, subdued background contrasts with the shimmering surfaces of the fish, accentuating their presence within the composition. Nearby, a plate with a reddish object adds a subtle yet effective variation in color and shape, contributing to the overall depth and balance. The painting’s composition and realistic execution capture the weight, texture, and natural luster of the subjects, portraying an everyday scene with both simplicity and profound attention to detail.
