William Merritt Chase

Date of Birth: November 1, 1849

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 25, 1916

Biography

William Merritt Chase was an influential American painter and teacher known for his adept handling of a variety of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. Born in Williamsburg, Indiana, Chase grew up in a family that encouraged his artistic talents. He studied at the National Academy of Design in New York and later honed his skills in Munich, Germany, at the Royal Academy, where he absorbed the techniques of the European Masters. Chase is celebrated for his vibrant use of color and his ability to capture light, which is evident in many of his works. He was a prominent figure in the American Impressionist movement and founded the Chase School, later known as Parsons The New School for Design. Throughout his career, he exhibited extensively and won numerous awards, becoming one of the most respected artists of his time.

5 Interesting Facts about William Merritt Chase

1. William Merritt Chase was a founding member of the Society of American Artists, a group that aimed to challenge the conservative National Academy of Design.

2. He was an avid art collector and had a vast collection of European and Asian art, which influenced his style and teaching.

3. Chase was known for his flamboyant personality and distinctive style, often seen wearing a wide-brimmed hat and flowing cape.

4. He taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Art Students League of New York and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

5. Chase often painted en plein air, or outdoors, a practice that was not yet widely adopted in America at the time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Merritt Chase

1. “Do not try to paint the grandiose thing. Paint the commonplace so that it will be distinguished.”

2. “The artist’s life is to be a life of significant failure.”

3. “The sun will not rise or set without my notice, and thanks.”

4. “Art is long, life is short, and success is very far off.”

5. “The best art is that which is most spontaneous and sincere.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The exact net worth of William Merritt Chase is not well-documented, but at the peak of his career, he was highly successful and well-compensated for his works and teaching positions.

Children

William Merritt Chase had eight children with his wife Alice Gerson Chase. Their names were Alice Dieudonnée Chase, William Merritt Chase Jr., Helen Velasquez Chase, Dorothy Bremond Chase, Koto Robert Chase, Robert Verdier Chase, Hazel Neamond Chase, and Dorothy Bremond Chase.