For the Little One c. 1896

"For the Little One" is a painting by American artist William Merritt Chase, created in 1896. The painting depicts a woman in a domestic setting, seated on a chair by a window, sewing a garment. Her focus on the task at hand, the soft lighting, and the overall sense of peace and quiet evoke a sense of domesticity and tranquility. Chase is renowned for his mastery of light and color and this painting showcases that talent, showcasing the gentle glow of sunlight and the intricate play of shadow on the scene. The painting's subject matter, the domestic sphere, was a popular theme in art of the late 19th century, and it speaks to the changing roles of women in American society.