The artwork titled “Portrait of Virginia Gerson” is an oil on canvas piece created by the American artist William Merritt Chase around the year 1880. Belonging to the Impressionist art movement, the portrait is known for its depiction of the subject, Virginia Gerson, rendered with the expressive brushstrokes and attention to light that characterize Impressionism. As a genre, the portrait focuses on the representation of the individual. Presently, the artwork is held within a private collection.
In the artwork, Virginia Gerson is portrayed in profile, gazing outwards from the canvas with a contemplative expression. The artist captures the delicate features of her face with a softness that is typical of Impressionist portraiture, emphasizing the play of light and shadow on her skin and the textures of her attire. She is dressed in a garment of the period with a high neckline featuring a ruffled collar that frames her neck. Her hair is styled upward, away from her face, revealing her prominent ear and accentuating the outline of her profile against a muted, indistinct background. The painting is imbued with a sense of immediacy and intimacy, inviting viewers to engage with the inner world of the subject. Chase’s signature is prominently displayed in the top left corner of the canvas, adding a personal touch to the work.
