Self Portrait 1883

"Self-Portrait" (1883) by William Merritt Chase is a striking example of the artist’s mastery of portraiture. The painting, created in pastel, showcases Chase’s distinctive style, characterized by loose brushstrokes and a focus on capturing the essence of the subject. The artist’s confident gaze and the presence of his palette and brushes, a symbol of his craft, lend an air of self-assuredness to the composition. The bold use of color, particularly the vibrant yellow background, further emphasizes the dynamism of the portrait.