The artwork “When One is Old,” created by William Merritt Chase in 1883, is an exemplar of the Impressionism movement. This genre painting, executed in oil on panel, measures 69.85 by 91.44 centimeters. The subject matter of the painting clearly places it within the genre painting category, which often depicts scenes from everyday life.
In the artwork, an elderly woman is seated at a table in a dimly lit room. She appears to be engaged in reading a book, with the soft light from a window behind her casting gentle highlights on her figure and the surrounding interior. The room is sparsely furnished with wooden chairs and a table, indicative of a simple, perhaps rustic lifestyle. A few objects, such as a candlestick and some pottery, occupy the surfaces, adding to the contemplative and tranquil atmosphere. The use of light and shadow, characteristic of the Impressionist style, imbues the scene with a sense of quietude and introspection.
