Is this a mirror — or a memory? The reflective surface of Bertha Jaques' Fine Arts Building, Looking West invites the viewer to ponder the legacies of art and architecture, mirroring the past while illuminating the future. In its quietude lies a powerful call to consider what we preserve and what fades into obscurity. Look to the left at the intricate façade of the Fine Arts Building, which stands resolutely against a gentle sky. The subtle play of light across its stonework enhances the delicate contours, while shadows whisper of the day’s passage.

Jaques employs a muted palette, intertwining soft blues and warm grays, evoking a sense of nostalgia that envelops the viewer in a serene embrace. The symmetrical composition draws your gaze through the archway, suggesting a doorway not just into the building, but into a world of artistic inquiry. Delve deeper, and you’ll notice the juxtaposition between the solidity of the building and the ephemeral clouds above. This contrast mirrors the transient nature of artistic movements; what is celebrated today may be forgotten tomorrow.

The meticulously rendered details of the architecture serve as a reminder of human legacy, while the ethereal sky hints at the inevitable passage of time, questioning what will endure in the annals of history. Created between 1893 and 1905, this piece was painted during a period when Jaques was deeply engaged with the Chicago art scene, particularly following the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. The city was a hub of artistic innovation and cultural dialogue, and her work reflects both personal ambition and the collective spirit of a burgeoning artistic community eager to leave its mark.