At the Window 

William Merritt Chase created "At the Window" using pastel on paper. During the late 19th century, as women's roles in society were slowly evolving, there was an increased interest in depicting women in domestic settings. Here, the woman’s gaze extends beyond the confines of her interior space. This may represent a burgeoning desire for women to engage with the world outside of their homes. Chase was known for his depictions of women in elegant, contemplative poses. Yet, there is an intimate, almost vulnerable quality to this particular piece. It’s as if we’ve caught her in a moment of reverie. Her expression is ambiguous. Is she longing, pensive, or simply lost in thought? This ambiguity invites the viewer to project their own emotions and experiences onto the figure. “At the Window” captures a quiet moment of introspection. It reminds us of the importance of acknowledging women’s interior lives, their dreams, and their struggles, both past and present.