“Seated Woman in Black Dress” is a portrait created by the artist William Merritt Chase in 1890. This artwork, rendered in pastel, falls under the genre of Impressionism and measures 49.53 x 38.74 cm. Currently held in a private collection, the portrait captures a woman in a contemplative pose.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted elegantly seated in a chair, dressed in a striking black dress. The setting exudes a sense of intimacy and tranquility. Her posture, with one hand gently resting on her face, conveys a moment of thoughtful repose. The soft, detailed brushwork characteristic of pastel technique enhances the delicate features of the subject and the tactile quality of her attire. The background, rendered in muted tones, serves to highlight the figure and bring focus to her serene expression and intricate dress details. This work exemplifies Chase’s skillful use of color and light, hallmarks of the Impressionist movement, to evoke mood and character in portraiture.
