Meditation (Portrait of the Artist's Wife) 1886

William Merritt Chase captured his wife in oil on canvas in a painting now known as "Meditation." The portrait is dominated by a muted palette of blues and blacks, giving it a contemplative atmosphere. The composition draws the eye directly to the artist’s wife. Chase positions her centrally, seated in what appears to be a moment of reflection. The loose brushstrokes and the blending of tones soften the details, emphasizing the overall mood rather than precise representation. Light plays delicately across her face and gloved hand. This creates a focal point that invites the viewer to ponder her thoughts. Chase destabilizes traditional portraiture by focusing on introspection rather than outward presentation. The subdued color scheme and the sitter’s pensive pose suggest a departure from the conventional emphasis on wealth and status, instead highlighting interiority and subjectivity. The very act of ‘meditation’ becomes a subject, challenging fixed notions of identity and representation. This artwork opens up a dialogue about the role of emotion and inner life in art.