Portrait of Mrs. Cecil Wade shows Sargent's virtuosity in painting both portraits and interiors, as well as his willingness to boldly experiment with light and darkness. The painting features a full-length rendering of Mrs. Wade in profile glancing to her right, her body portrayed at a sight angle, with a bright light washing over her fair skin and white satin dress. She sits on a wooden bench upholstered with a red floral cushion, and is adorned with sparkling bracelets and a choker in addition to a white fan.
