The artwork “Portrait of Mrs. C. (Alice Gerson Chase)” is a distinguished example of the Impressionist movement, created by the artist William Merritt Chase around 1890 to 1895. The medium of this portrait is oil on canvas, and it is currently housed at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The genre of this piece is a portrait, capturing the essence of the subject with the distinctive brushwork and color palette characteristic of Impressionism.
The artwork presents a woman seated, cloaked in a dark dress that spills into the shadowy background, creating a sense of depth and formality. Her attire features a fur piece that drapes over her shoulders, its texture and warmth contrasting with the somber tones of her dress. An accent of vibrancy appears in the form of a red flower adorning her hair, offering a focal point that draws the eye and complements her otherwise restrained palette.
Her expression is contemplative, perhaps introspective, as she gazes directly at the observer—a silent communion that bridges the gap between subject and viewer. The handling of light in the portrait is subtle yet strategic, illuminating her face, hands, and the fabric of her dress to emphasize texture and mood. The artist’s loose, expressive brushstrokes are evident, especially in the depiction of the luxurious fabric and the gentle modelling of her features, hallmarks of the Impressionist technique that aims to capture fleeting effects of light and atmosphere.
Overall, the artwork stands as a testament to the skill and sensitivity with which William Merritt Chase approached the genre of portraiture, set within the evocative stylistic context of the Impressionist movement.
