William Merritt Chase 1849-1919. Talented American impressionist artist

Born November 1, 1849 in Ninevah. William showed interest in painting in his youth. His first lessons were given to him by portrait artist Barton Hayes. In order to receive a systematic art education, Chase entered the National Academy of Drawing in America in 1869. His studies were successful. The scholarship that St. Louis businessmen paid to the future artist allowed him to fulfill his dream and travel around Europe. Chase returned to New York only in 1878. During these years, he visited Munich and Venice.

In Munich, Chase will expand his knowledge at the Academy. His teachers during this period were V. von Diez, K. T. von Piloty, A. von Wagner. In Venice, the artist will communicate a lot with Twachtman and Duveneck. Later, in 1903, when Twachtman died, Chase replaced him in the association “Ten American Painters”.

In parallel with his creative work, Chase was engaged in teaching and succeeded in this field. He worked in Philadelphia, from 1896 to 1909 he taught at the Academy of Fine Arts, as well as at the Art Students League. Chase’s teaching activities were highly valued, and the artist’s studio became a place for regular meetings of American artists. Chase’s students were L. Parker, E. Hopper, F. Duveneck.

The Belgian artist Alfred Stevens had a great influence on the formation of William Chase’s creative style. After meeting him, which took place in Paris in 1881, the colors of Chase’s works became lighter and more saturated. The flat decorative manner penetrated into Chase’s work due to the influence of James Whistler. The artist met him in 1885.

Continuing his teaching activities, Chase founded the Summer Art School. It was opened in Shinncock in 1891. In 1896, he opened the School of Art in New York. This educational institution enjoyed great popularity. Later, it was renamed the New York School of Art.

Chase created canvases of a wide range of subjects. Among his works were scenes from everyday life, landscapes, portraits. The artist became one of the founders of Impressionism in America. Chase preferred pastel colors and free brushstrokes. Chase’s works were not only successful with the public and brought him significant income, but were also highly praised by critics.