The artwork titled “Surprise” was created by William Merritt Chase between circa 1883 and circa 1884. Executed in pastel, this piece is a part of the Impressionism art movement and embodies the genre painting style. The dimensions of the artwork are 76.2 x 59.69 cm.
The artwork depicts a woman seated on a cushion with her body and gaze oriented away from the viewer, suggesting a moment of distraction or contemplation. She is adorned in an elegant, pale pink dress, the fabric of which is rendered with delicate, impressionistic brushstrokes capturing the subtle play of light on its surface. The woman holds a small bouquet of flowers in one hand, while her other hand rests gently on the red cushion. The background is a harmonious blend of soft, pastel shades, creating an ethereal ambiance that enhances the introspective mood conveyed by the subject’s pose and expression.
