The Black Kimono 1903

William Merritt Chase painted ‘The Black Kimono’ in oil, on a canvas over six feet tall. Isn’t it striking how Chase embraces the act of painting as a process? The background isn’t just a flat plane but a hazy, shifting space that reminds us of the studio itself. I love the surface here. The paint isn’t overly thick, but it’s applied in such a way that you can almost feel the presence of the brush. The color choices—deep blacks and purples, punctuated by the muted gold of the floral details—create a sense of depth. Look at the way the light catches her face, and the subtle strokes that define the folds of her kimono. It feels like Chase is inviting us to consider not just the subject, but the very act of seeing itself. This feels very much of its time, but it also makes me think about Whistler and the way he used color and form to evoke mood. Ultimately, art is an ongoing conversation, and this painting is a beautiful contribution.