Artwork
Portrait of My Daughter Alice

Portrait of My Daughter Alice is an unspecified painting by the American Impressionist artist William Merritt Chase. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1920.254
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Hermon A. Kelley, in memory of their daughter Virginia Kelley Newberry
About this work
Overview
Portrait of My Daughter Alice is a painting created by William Merritt Chase around 1895 in the American Impressionist style. The work captures a serene moment of Chase's daughter, Alice, within a domestic setting.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait focuses on Alice, depicted in a long, white, lace-detailed dress, with her dark hair pulled back and a headscarf. Her clasped hands and gentle, leftward gaze convey quiet contemplation, emphasizing an intimate, everyday moment.
Technique & Style
Chase employed loose brushwork and a light-infused palette, hallmarks of American Impressionism. The strategic use of light and shadow, akin to chiaroscuro, adds depth and dimensionality, guiding the viewer's attention to Alice's expression.
History & Provenance
Created by William Merritt Chase, a pivotal figure in American Impressionism and founder of the Chase School (later Parsons School of Design), the painting reflects both his artistic style and personal life.
Context
The setting, a room with a piano, chair, green patterned wallpaper, and a red curtain, provides a backdrop that, while detailed, does not distract from Alice's calm demeanor, blending domesticity with artistic innovation.
Legacy
As a work by Chase, it contributes to the broader legacy of American Impressionism, though specific lasting impacts or notable exhibitions of this particular piece are not highlighted in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Merritt Chase (November 1, 1849 – October 25, 1916) was an American painter, known as an exponent of Impressionism and as a teacher.


















