The artwork titled “A Coquette” is an oil on canvas painting by William Merritt Chase, created in the year 1912. As a product of the Impressionist art movement, the portrait measures 50.8 x 40.64 cm and is exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, New York, United States.
The artwork presents a portrait of a young woman whose expression and demeanor could be described as coquettish, a trait emphasized by the title itself. She holds a fan close to her face in a playful or flirtatious manner, which partially covers her lips and chin, thereby drawing attention to her eyes and enhancing the effect of her gaze. The young woman wears a white collar or bib, which provides a stark contrast to the dark dress or background, focusing the viewer’s attention to her face and the fan.
Chase’s brushwork showcases the loose, expressive qualities characteristic of the Impressionist movement. Visible quick strokes of paint capture the texture of the fan and the softness of the woman’s hair, while the lighter treatment of the face suggests delicacy and adds an impression of soft lighting. The handling of light and color, as well as the focus on the intimate moment, reflects Chase’s affinity with the stylistic and thematic concerns of Impressionism, which aimed to represent scenes with immediacy and vibrancy.
