Kate Field 1881

Francis Davis Millet painted this portrait of Kate Field during an era when women were actively renegotiating their roles in society. Field, a journalist and actress, embodies the spirit of the independent "New Woman." This portrait captures Field in a moment of repose. But don't be fooled by her relaxed posture. The black dress, a bold statement in itself, symbolizes her departure from traditional expectations of femininity. Note the red sash around her waist, suggesting the passion and energy with which she pursued her career. The composition invites us to consider how women of this era sought to balance personal comfort with professional ambition. Field’s gaze challenges us to meet her on her own terms, as an intellectual and an equal. Millet captures not just her likeness, but her presence, her persona, and her place in the making of a new, modern identity.