Seventeenth Century Lady c. 1895

William Merritt Chase painted "Seventeenth Century Lady" at a time when the United States was grappling with its identity on the global stage. Here we see a woman, turned away, in a shimmering dress. Chase here isn't just painting a portrait; he's inviting us to consider the construction of identity, particularly through the lens of fashion and historical reference. The title itself suggests a longing for a past, perhaps idealized, which was common in the Gilded Age. While seemingly traditional, Chase subtly challenges the rigid norms of portraiture by focusing on the woman's back, withholding her direct gaze. This allows for a more introspective interpretation. Her dress, while reminiscent of a bygone era, also speaks to the contemporary fascination with luxury and display. This painting is a window into the complex interplay between history, identity, and personal expression.