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William Merritt Chase, American, 1849–1916. "A Comfortable Corner (At Her Ease; The Blue Kimona [sic]; The Blue Kimono)," ca. 1888, oil on canvas, 57" x 44 ½." Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, N.Y., Littlejohn Collection.
The Parrish Art Museum has been awarded a Bank of America Art Conservation Project grant to support the conservation of an iconic painting by American artist William Merritt Chase. This grant, one of 24 projects selected this year by the project, is part of a broader effort to help preserve culturally significant works of art around the world.
William Merritt Chase (1849-1916) was a celebrated figure in the international art community of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, renowned for his keen observations of contemporary life and his innovative painting techniques. The Parrish Art Museum is home to an extensive collection of Chase’s works, reflecting the artist’s multifaceted talent, from portraits and still lifes to landscapes and interiors. Chase’s influence on the art world of his time was profound, earning him recognition as “a citizen of the world” by American art critic, Frank Jewett Mather.
One of the highlights of the Parrish’s collection is Chase’s remarkable painting, “A Comfortable Corner” (also known as “The Blue Kimono,” ca. 1888). This striking portrayal of a seated woman in a blue kimono with a yellow sash and a white fan in her hand exemplifies Chase’s fascination with Japanese culture. Despite its significance, the painting requires conservation due to issues such as heavy overpainting and discolored varnish layers.
The grant from Bank of America will enable the Parrish Art Museum to undertake comprehensive conservation work on “A Comfortable Corner.” This process will involve removing old retouching and degraded varnish, as well as reinforcing the canvas edges. By employing advanced conservation techniques, the museum aims to ensure the long-term preservation of this important artwork for future generations to enjoy.
“Preserving works of art and pieces of our collective history is essential to fostering creativity and enriching our local Long Island communities,” said Marc Perez, president, Bank of America Long Island. “The Parrish Art Museum is committed to safeguarding the legacy of William Merritt Chase and strengthening the island’s thriving arts community. We look forward to ensuring, in partnership with the Parrish Art Museum, that “A Comfortable Corner” continues to engage and inspire future generations of museum-goers.”
In 2026, the museum will present the conservation work completed in one of its collection-based exhibitions celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. This presentation will include photo documentation before, during, and after the painting has been conserved and video footage of the process as well. The painting, along with various forms of documentation will be on full display for museum visitors to get an in-depth look at the methods used to conserve “A Comfortable Corner.”
“We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for their generous support of our conservation efforts,” said Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, executive director of the Parrish Art Museum. “This grant will allow us to preserve William Merritt Chase’s “A Comfortable Corner,” which is a legacy painting for the museum and we look forward to celebrating its conservation in the future especially as we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial.”
Staff Writer on Sep 13, 2024