Girl with Guitar 1886

William Merritt Chase created "Girl with Guitar" with oil on canvas. The tangible qualities of the medium are central to this work. The texture is rough, created with loose brushstrokes, which gives a sense of spontaneity. Chase’s painterly approach to the medium gives a sense of the artist's hand, as well as the time and effort involved in creating the work. The materiality and process are intrinsic to its social and cultural significance. "Girl with Guitar" shows the traditional painting methods Chase used in his creative practice and aesthetics, alongside that of fine arts. By emphasizing materials, making, and context in our understanding of this artwork, we acknowledge the artist's technical skill and artistic vision, enriching our appreciation. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft by recognizing the inherent value in the creative process itself.