The artwork titled “Making Her Toilet” is a creation of the esteemed artist William Merritt Chase, dated to the year 1889. It is a portrait rendered in pastel on canvas, measuring 24.5 by 48.3 centimeters. The piece reflects the influences of the Impressionism and Japonism art movements and is presently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, we observe a female figure engaged in the act of grooming or preparing herself, which is suggested by the title “Making Her Toilet.” The figure is portrayed from behind, facing a mirror which only partially reflects her visage, a technique that both includes the viewer in the intimate moment and maintains a sense of mystery and privacy. The subject is dressed in a flowing, light-colored robe with a sash, a garment that shows the influence of Japanese style, embracing the Japonism movement’s fascination with Japanese art and design.
The use of pastel has allowed the artist to achieve a soft, diffuse quality characteristic of Impressionism, with delicate brushwork and subtle color variations that suggest the texture of the fabric and the softness of light. Small flecks of color on the robe give the impression of a pattern or light reflecting on the material. There’s a sense of harmony and domestic tranquility, enhanced by the subdued tones and the serene posture of the woman.
The composition is thoughtfully balanced, with the mirror anchoring the scene on the left and providing depth, while the figure stands out softly against the muted background. The attention to detail, such as the small white bowl on the dark piece of furniture and the intricate knot of the woman’s sash, showcases Chase’s skill in combining elements of his environment into a cohesive and evocative scene. Overall, the artwork invites contemplation on everyday beauty and the tranquility of private moments.
