A picture of calm refined beauty, the sitter epitomizes elegant and casual repose propped up against pillow in her spacious wicker armchair. Captured by master American portraitist Adolphe Borie (1877–1934), the woman is rendered with the artist’s signature blending of both American academic realism and the artistic influence of considerable time abroad. Philadelphia-born, Borie initially studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, from 1895 to 1899 under William Merritt Chase (1849-1916) and Thomas Anshutz (1851-1912). This was followed by study at the Royal Academy of Munich. While in Europe, he also stayed in Paris for significant periods, where he was additionally influenced by modern French painting, especially Impressionism. Upon his return to Philadelphia, Borie rebelled against the academic traditions promulgated by Thomas Eakins (1844-1916) and introduced modern art to the city. Borie built his career on portrait work, earning a gold medal in that category in 1910. His paintings are held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among many institutions. Signature: Bottom left (photo #5)