1878
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Head of a Boy is a 1878 by William Merritt Chase, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This is a black-and-white portrait of a boy with a serious expression. His hair is neatly combed, and he’s wearing a dark collar that stands out against the light skin. The background looks rough, like quick brushstrokes or scratches, making the face stand out even more. The artist used bold contrasts between light and dark to shape the face. This style is called *chiaroscuro*—it’s all about strong shadows and highlights to give depth. The boy’s gaze feels direct, almost like he’s looking right at you. Check out how William Merritt Chase used light and shadow in his work.
William Merritt Chase (November 1, 1849 – October 25, 1916) was an American painter, known as an exponent of Impressionism and as a teacher.
See the richer artist page
