Pure (The Model) 1888

"Pure (The Model)" is an 1888 oil-on-canvas painting by American artist William Merritt Chase. The work depicts a female nude seated on a cushion, viewed from behind. The figure's body is rendered in a loose, impressionistic style, with emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow. The composition is simple, with the model as the central focus, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. Chase's use of muted tones and a subtle color palette contributes to the painting's quiet elegance. The work exemplifies Chase's mastery of figure painting and his interest in capturing the fleeting beauty of the human form.