When reviewing an 1898 exhibition of pictures by Grace Joel, an Otago Daily Times writer noted that several paintings had previously been exhibited in Sydney and Melbourne and were 'favourably noticed by critics. All the paintings are of the impressionist school – the new school.' Girl with Scarf confirms the opinion that Joel's 'new' painting responds directly to reality and renders it with 'force and truth'. The painting is an honest portrayal of Joel's young model as she posed casually in her Dunedin studio.