“Portrait of the Artist’s Daughter (Dorothy)” is an artwork crafted by William Merritt Chase around 1879. The medium used is oil on canvas, and the painting is held within a private collection. As an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, Chase’s work often captures the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, which is evident in the soft handling of this portrait. The genre of this artwork is portraiture, which was a common theme in Chase’s oeuvre, offering a personal glimpse into his life and relationships.
In the artwork, the young sitter, presumably Dorothy, stands centrally positioned against a muted background that suggests an interior space. She is dressed in a white frothy dress with full sleeves and a wide skirt that stands out in stark contrast to the surrounding tones. The dress’s appearance is reminiscent of the fashion of the late 19th century, with its high neckline and detailed frills, embodying a sense of childhood innocence and elegance.
The artist has employed a loose and expressive brushwork that is characteristic of the Impressionist style. The background is subdued with palette knife scrapings and brushstrokes that imply texture and depth without meticulous detail. The figure of the girl is rendered with a degree of precision but retains a certain softness that adds to the overall impressionistic quality of the work.
Her pose is informal and seems almost candid, with her weight shifted onto one leg, and her hands lightly lifting the edges of her skirt. The girl’s facial expression is serene and contemplative, with her gaze directed away from the viewer, lending an air of introspection to the composition. Despite the painting’s apparent simplicity, the use of shadow and light, combined with the delicate treatment of the girl’s attire and the intimate subject matter, create a compelling and evocative portrait.
