William Merritt Chase (American,
1849-1916)
An Italian Garden, c. 1909
Oil on canvas, 16 x 21-5/8 inches
Gift of Edward J. Brickhouse

This is an oil on canvas painting which may depict the garden of Chases's Villa Silli, Florence, Italy, in the summer of 1909. The viewer is placed on the central path in the garden. The lightness of the color and pale mauve shadows directly underneath indicate it is around noon. On the right and left of the viewer are blurred beds of color representing a myriad of flowers. The architecture of the middle ground is closely surrounded by trees and shrubs, except for a low fountain gurgling in front of an iron wrought gate. The background of this peaceful scene has cumulus clouds peaking from behind tall trees (some appear to be the traditional poplars) against a light blue sky.

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