“The Black Kimono” is an oil on canvas portrait by William Merritt Chase, dated circa 1903. This artwork, measuring 182.88 x 101.6 cm, is a testament to the artist’s engagement with the Impressionism and Japonism art movements of the era. As of the latest available information, the painting is held in a private collection.
The artwork features a full-length portrait of a woman standing in profile against a muted, indistinct background. The subject dons a black kimono adorned with subtle detailing and patterns, which suggests the influence of Japonism, a trend where Western artists drew inspiration from Japanese art and design. The portrait captures the essence of Impressionism through its loose brushwork and attention to the effects of light on the surface of the kimono and the subject’s skin, albeit within a more formalized composition that is typical of Chase’s work.
The woman is turned slightly towards the viewer, offering a sideways glance that conveys an air of confidence and poise. Her facial expression is serene, yet there’s an enigmatic quality that invites contemplation about her mood or thoughts. The contrast between the dark tones of the kimono and the softer hues of her complexion and hair is dramatized by the play of light, emblematic of Chase’s skillful handling of color and shade. The attention to the textures of the fabric and the naturalistic rendering of the subject’s features are indicative of Chase’s mastery in portraiture.
