Portrait of a Woman 1885

William Merritt Chase created this "Portrait of a Woman" using oil on canvas. The vigorous brushwork is immediately apparent. Chase applied paint with an almost sculptural quality, building up layers to capture the texture of the woman's clothing and hat. Look closely, and you can see how the strokes create a sense of movement, particularly in the background. Chase's technique reflects a move away from traditional academic painting, embracing a more modern, expressive approach. This work also speaks to the rise of consumer culture during Chase's time. Notice the attention to detail in the woman's attire. Her fashionable hat and elegant coat suggest a certain social status, reflecting the growing importance of appearance and material possessions in late 19th-century society. By focusing on the materials and processes behind this painting, we can appreciate how it embodies both artistic innovation and the changing social landscape of its time, blurring the lines between portraiture and social commentary.