William Merritt Chase

The first in a beautiful four-volume complete catalogue of all known works by the beloved American artist William Merritt Chase A perennial favorite of museum visitors, the works of William Merritt Chase (18491916) embody the quintessential characteristics of American Impressionism: outdoor landscapes, a colorful palette, and an energetic brushstroke. He was also a portrait painter of the first rank, a master of still life, a renowned teacher, and a leader of artists societies. This gorgeous book, the first of a four-volume definitive catalogue, features Chases stunning paintings in pastel, which constitute a major and previously understudied body of work by the artist; monotypes; painted tiles and plates; watercolors; and prints. Reconstructing Chases oeuvre is a daunting task, as the artist left few records of any kind, and no documentation of his individual works exists. Furthermore, Chases paintings and pastels have been forged in great numbers throughout the years, and many of these works still surface on the art market. Making this long-awaited volume even more valuable is a list of every known exhibition of Chases work during the artists lifetime, selected examples of major post-1917 exhibitions, and an essay on Chases innovative pastel technique.