The artwork “A Lady in Black (aka The Red Shawl)” was created by William Merritt Chase in 1883, and is a striking example of the Impressionist art movement. As a portrait, it features a woman as its central subject, and it reflects the typical Impressionist focus on light, color, and everyday subject matter.
The artwork depicts a seated woman dressed predominantly in black, with a conspicuous red shawl draped over the lower part of her dress, providing a vivid contrast to the otherwise somber hues. She appears contemplative, her gaze directed away from the viewer, which adds a sense of introspection and mystery to the painting. The chair in which she sits has an ornate back, suggesting a setting within a well-appointed interior.
Chase’s brushwork is loose and expressive, which is characteristic of the Impressionist style, and the background is minimally detailed. The composition focuses on the interplay of light and color, with the bright yellow of the background enhancing the dramatic effect of the black attire and the vibrant red of the shawl. The visible brushstrokes and the contrast between light and shadow contribute to the vitality of the work, suggesting the impermanent nature of the moment captured.
