Back of a Nude 1888

William Merritt Chase painted 'Back of a Nude' with pastels on paper. The model's form, rendered in soft strokes of pale blues and pinks, melds with the hazy, maroon background, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. This composition evokes a sense of intimacy, yet the averted gaze denies direct engagement. Chase subtly destabilizes conventional portraiture by focusing on the posterior view. The composition is structured around the contrast between the organic curves of the body and the geometric form of the stool. This interplay highlights the artist's engagement with form and representation, setting the stage for modern abstraction. Observe the tactile quality of the pastel medium. Chase’s loose handling of the medium invites us to reconsider our notions of beauty and representation and engages with broader cultural discourses on perception.