October 1903

"October," a pastel drawing by American artist William Merritt Chase, depicts a pastoral scene with two figures walking through a field. The figures are rendered in loose strokes, a signature of Chase's style, while the landscape is characterized by its muted tones and painterly treatment of light. Chase's plein-air approach, evident in the loose brushwork and emphasis on atmospheric effects, underscores his interest in capturing the fleeting beauty of nature. Created in 1903, "October" showcases Chase's mastery of pastel, a medium that allowed him to achieve a luminous and textural surface, creating a sense of soft light and a delicate mood.