The artwork titled “Portrait of Mrs. C” is a creation of the distinguished artist William Merritt Chase, completed in the year 1893. It is executed using oil on canvas, adhering to the stylistic nuances of the Impressionist movement. The dimensions of the piece are substantial, measuring 132.1 by 190.5 centimeters, and it is classified within the portrait genre, capturing the likeness and character of the sitter with an impressionistic touch.
In the artwork, Mrs. C is portrayed standing, occupying the central space of the canvas, which commands the viewer’s attention. She is clothed in a long black dress, which provides a striking contrast to the white shawl draped elegantly over her shoulders. The shawl is richly textured with fringe details that create a sense of delicate intricacy. Her pose is poised and dignified, with her left hand grasping her shawl and her right hand resting gently on her hip.
The subject’s facial expression exudes a serene confidence, as she gazes directly outwards, engaging the viewer with a calm but assertive presence. Her hair is styled neatly, complementing the composed and refined aura she emanates. The background is rendered minimally, a warm, monochromatic backdrop that subtly shifts in tone to suggest depth, allowing the figure of Mrs. C to become the focal point without any distractions.
The application of paint in “Portrait of Mrs. C” demonstrates Chase’s impressionistic approach—visible brushstrokes and a nuanced interplay of light and shadow contribute to the living quality of the portrait. The overall effect is one of both timeless elegance and immediate, vivacious presence, capturing a moment of the subject’s essence that transcends the mere presentation of her physical appearance.
