William Merritt Chase

William Merritt Chase was an American painter born in 1849 and active until his death in 1916. He was a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, known for his vibrant landscapes and still lifes that captured the effects of light and color. Chase studied at the National Academy of Design and later in Europe, where he was influenced by the works of the French Impressionists. He played a significant role in promoting Impressionism in the United States, founding the Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art in 1891. His work is characterized by a loose brushwork style and a focus on everyday subjects, contributing to the evolution of American art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chase's legacy continues to be celebrated in various exhibitions and collections across the country.