Portrait of a Young Woman 1905

"Portrait of a Young Woman" is a 1905 oil painting by American artist William Merritt Chase (1849-1916). The painting, currently in a private collection, showcases Chase's mastery of portraiture and use of light. The young woman, rendered in a loose, Impressionistic style, is depicted against a dark background, her face illuminated by a soft, natural light. This creates a sense of intimacy and highlights her delicate features. The red flower she holds adds a touch of color and contrasts beautifully with the soft white of her clothing. The painting demonstrates Chase's preference for depicting figures in natural settings and emphasizes the beauty and elegance of his subjects.