William M. Chase, N. A.
John Singer Sargent American
A distinguished American portraitist also known for his Impressionist landscapes, William Merritt Chase (1849–1916) was a dominant figure in the New York art scene. He was highly influential as a teacher and a group of his students commissioned this portrait in tribute for the Metropolitan Museum. Chase carefully cultivated his persona as a sophisticated, yet bohemian artist. He arrived at Sargent's studio wearing a top hat and frock coat saying he was prepared to sit "either as an artist or a gentleman." Sargent instructed him to get "into his working rags" and portrayed him emerging from a dark background. Wearing a look of concentration, Chase clutches his palette and tools and appears poised to touch his brush to the canvas.
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