William Merritt Chase
1849 - 1916

Portrait of Miss Dora Wheeler, 1883

William Merritt Chase grew up in Indianapolis, where he first studied with the local painter Barton S. Hays. Chase went to New York in 1869 to attend classes at the National Academy of Design. Benefactors in Indianapolis made it possible for Chase to travel to Munich, Germany, to study under Wilhelm Leibl, where he met Duveneck, Twachtman, De Camp and others. Returning to America, he embarked on his long and influential teaching career. Chase was a leading spirit in American art, with legions of students and disciples.

Hall of Fame of American Portrait Painting  

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