Portrait of Susan Watkins 

Here we see William Merritt Chase’s “Portrait of Susan Watkins”, a mesmerizing study in muted tones and textures. The sitter’s figure is enveloped in soft whites and creams, set against a backdrop of patterned golds and browns. Note how the composition arranges the sitter diagonally across the canvas, inviting our gaze. Chase masterfully employs a limited palette to create depth and complexity. The textures, from the soft fur stole to the delicate fabric of Watkins' dress, are rendered with visible, expressive brushstrokes. Consider how these elements of texture, form, and colour work to evoke a sense of quiet contemplation and refinement. This is more than just a portrait; it is an exploration of surface and form. The artwork challenges traditional portraiture by focusing not only on representation but also on the interplay of textures and the arrangement of space. Chase invites us to question how we perceive beauty and representation. Through these formal choices, the painting becomes an ongoing dialogue between the artist, the sitter, and ultimately, the viewer.