“Portrait of Clara Stephens Wearing a Hat with an Orange Ribbon” is an artwork crafted by William Merritt Chase in the year 1913. This piece, entrenched within the Impressionism art movement, represents a portrait genre and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a woman named Clara Stephens, adorned in an elegant hat adorned with a striking orange ribbon, juxtaposed against a predominantly dark background. The brushstrokes, characteristic of Impressionist style, are evident in the expressive and loose rendering of both the hat and the figure. Clara’s attire is painted in light hues, contrasting sharply with the rich shadows that envelop the composition. The orange ribbon in her hat forms a vibrant focal point, drawing the viewer’s attention amidst the otherwise subdued color palette. The rendering of her face, although softer and less defined, captures a serene expression, embodying the essence of the period and the artist’s mastery.