Alice in studio in Shinnecock Long Island William Merritt Chase (1849-1916)

The composition presents a woman seated within what appears to be a studio or private room. The space is defined by walls covered in a textured, muted green and gold wallpaper, which contributes to a sense of enclosure and intimacy. A large window, framed by an ornate dark wood molding, dominates the background, offering a glimpse of a hazy landscape beyond – likely water and sky, rendered with loose brushstrokes suggesting distance and atmosphere.
The woman is positioned in profile, facing towards this window. She wears a dark, richly patterned robe over what seems to be lighter undergarments, creating a striking contrast against the warm tones of the room. Her posture suggests contemplation or focused activity; she rests on a low, circular cushion that echoes the rounded forms present throughout the scene.
A substantial piece of furniture – a table or bureau – occupies much of the left side of the canvas. It is laden with objects: a vase holding tall reeds, several framed sketches or drawings leaning against its surface, and a small bronze sculpture of an animal (possibly a stag). The arrangement feels deliberately cluttered, yet not chaotic; it suggests a working environment filled with creative pursuits. A brass lamp sits on the floor near the table, casting a warm glow that further illuminates the scene.
Above the bureau, another framed artwork hangs on the wall, partially obscured by the shadows of the window frame. This layering of images within an image creates a sense of depth and complexity. The overall palette is dominated by earth tones – browns, greens, golds – with accents of red in the woman’s robe and the cushion she sits upon.
The painting conveys a mood of quiet introspection and artistic dedication. The subjects isolation, emphasized by her solitary position within the room and her gaze directed outwards, hints at a sense of personal reflection or creative inspiration drawn from the external world. The studio setting itself suggests an environment conducive to intellectual and aesthetic exploration. The deliberate arrangement of objects – the sketches, the sculpture, the lamp – implies a considered approach to both artistic creation and domestic life.