“The White Rose, aka Miss Jessup,” is an artwork created by William Merritt Chase around 1886. This portrait, done in pastel, is associated with the Impressionism movement. The artwork depicts a young woman standing alone, exuding an air of grace and subtle elegance.
In the artwork, the subject, Miss Jessup, is dressed in a flowing, white gown adorned with delicate lace and ruffles, which encapsulates the impressionistic focus on light and texture. Her posture is upright, and she holds a white rose in her left hand, which appears to be a symbol of purity and innocence. The background is a deep, dark hue, providing a stark contrast to the ethereal presence of the figure, further highlighting her delicate features and the fine details of her attire. The soft and meticulous application of pastel colors brings out a lifelike quality, capturing both the attire’s intricate designs and the gentle expression of the subject.
