William Merritt Chase Painting Reproductions 3 of 5

William Merritt Chase (1849-1916) was an American painter, educator, and innovator. He was one of the leading figures of the American Impressionist movement.

Chase was born on November 1, 1849, in Nineveh, Indiana, and grew up in the Midwest. He showed an early aptitude for drawing and was encouraged by his family to pursue his talent. In 1869, he moved to New York City and enrolled at the National Academy of Design. He also studied at the Art Students League and in 1872, he traveled to Europe for the first time to study in Munich at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.

Upon his return to the United States in 1878, Chase opened his own studio in New York City and began to establish himself as a portrait painter. He also taught at the Art Students League, where he had a significant impact on American art education. In 1886, he co-founded the Society of American Artists, which aimed to promote American art and artists.

Chase's painting style evolved over time, influenced by his travels and exposure to different artistic movements. He experimented with different genres, including still life, landscape, and genre painting, but he is best known for his portraits and figure paintings. His work is characterized by its loose brushwork, bright colors, and attention to light and atmosphere.

In 1891, Chase began summering in Shinnecock Hills, Long Island, where he founded the Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art in 1892. The school was one of the first outdoor art schools in the United States and was instrumental in the development of American Impressionism. Chase's students included many prominent artists, such as Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Charles Demuth.

Chase continued to teach and paint throughout his career, earning numerous awards and honors, including election to the National Academy of Design in 1890 and the presidency of the Society of American Artists in 1902. He died on October 25, 1916, in New York City.

Today, Chase's work can be found in many major American museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Art. His legacy as an artist and educator continues to influence American art to this day.