The artwork, titled “The Mandolin Player,” was created by William Merritt Chase around c.1878 – c.1879. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Impressionism art movement and is a portrait genre. It measures 61.6 x 41.28 cm and is currently held in a private collection.
In “The Mandolin Player,” Chase has depicted a woman engrossed in playing a mandolin, her gaze directed towards the viewer, exuding both poise and engagement. She is clad in a richly textured garment featuring a prominent, ruffled collar, suggestive of the period’s fashion. The backdrop contrasts with the detailed rendering of the subject, consisting of a loosely applied array of colors and brushstrokes, characterizing the Impressionist emphasis on capturing moments with light and texture. The interplay of light on her face and the instrument she holds further accentuates the subject’s soft features and the delicate handling of the mandolin, creating a harmonious balance between the figure and the space around her.
