Reclining Nude

William Merritt Chase's Reclining Nude (1888) exemplifies his mastery within the Impressionism movement, blending vibrant brushwork, loose technique, and an emphasis on atmosphere. As a renowned American artist and teacher, Chase often explored genre subjects and figure studies, demonstrating skillful handling of media such as pastel. The title Reclining Nude indicates a focus on the human form, characteristic of the Nude painting (nu) genre, executed with a sense of immediacy and vivid color that reflect his impressionistic approach.