Copy of Velázquez’s Menippus 1882

American painter William Merritt Chase was known for his mastery of realism, evident in his 1882 work “Copy of Velázquez’s Menippus”. The painting, a copy of a 17th century work by Spanish master Diego Velázquez, depicts a lone figure clad in dark garments, standing with a solemn expression against a brown background. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that contrasts light and shadow to create depth and dimension, emphasizes the subject's isolation and melancholic air. Chase's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the depiction of the subject's weathered face, heavy cloak, and the subtle texture of the background.