Robert Frederick Blum spent his youth in Cincinnati and was exposed to the artistic resources of the city. In 1874, he attended a special night class taught by Frank Duveneck. In Venice in 1880, he again encountered Duveneck and the circle of Americans that surrounded him. He also came into contact with Whistler whose work exerted a strong influence on him, especially on his etchings and pastels.

Blum was a prominent artist of his day. Active in progressive artistic circles and frequently traveling and working abroad, he came into contact with many of the modern stylistic directions of the late nineteenth century. His work shows the influence of French Impressionism as well as the tonal styles of Whistler and Fortuny. Blum's vibrant and atmospheric canvases provided the groundwork for the acceptance of Impressionism in America. Blum's talents in different media, and his pastels and etchings in particular, helped to make his reputation and are well regarded today.

Seated Woman, c. 1890, is a loosely rendered graphite drawing of a woman, seated outside, with her chin leaning on her hands and wearing a sun hat.