“Portrait of a Woman,” an exquisite artwork by William Merritt Chase, exemplifies the Realism movement. Created around 1885, this oil on canvas painting measures 60.96 x 45.72 cm and falls under the portrait genre. The piece currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a woman, capturing a subtle yet evocative expression that draws the viewer’s attention. Chase’s mastery in the use of light and shadow is evident in the detailed rendering of the woman’s face. Her gentle smile and the softened folds of her attire are meticulously depicted, emphasizing the texture and depth characteristic of Realist painting. The warm, rich color palette further enhances the intimate aura of the portrait, inviting contemplation of the woman’s inner world.