Miss L aka Isabella Lathrop William Merritt Chase (1849-1916)

The portrait presents a young woman in what appears to be a deliberately unconventional attire. She stands with one hand resting casually on her hip and the other holding a rolled-up object – perhaps a map or a document – suggesting a sense of purpose or readiness for an undertaking. The clothing is particularly striking: a blue jacket over a white, ruffled shirt and a vibrant red waistcoat create a bold color combination that deviates from typical feminine dress of the period. A wide-brimmed hat obscures part of her hair, adding to the overall impression of deliberate unconventionality.
The background is rendered in loose brushstrokes, depicting a landscape with trees and a glimpse of sky. The indistinctness of the setting places emphasis on the figure herself, preventing any distraction from her presence. The light falls unevenly across her face and clothing, creating areas of shadow that contribute to a sense of depth and volume.
The woman’s expression is complex; she appears both confident and slightly guarded. Her gaze is direct but not overtly inviting, suggesting an intelligence and self-possession. Theres a subtle ambiguity in her demeanor – a hint of defiance perhaps, or a quiet assertion of individuality. The artist seems to be exploring themes of identity and gender roles through the subject’s unconventional presentation.
The painting conveys a sense of freedom and independence, hinting at a personality that resists easy categorization. It is not merely a likeness but an exploration of character – a portrait intended to reveal something about the sitters inner world rather than simply her outward appearance. The deliberate choice of clothing and pose suggests a conscious rejection of societal expectations for women, implying a desire for agency and self-determination.