Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an ink drawing by William Merritt Chase. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:vertical along upper right edge in graphite: along right edge of verso in graphite by unknown hand: William M. Chase / By ?
About this work
Overview
Created in 1909, this drawing by American artist William Merritt Chase presents a head‑and‑shoulders study rendered in pen and black ink on two sheets of card stock. The work is catalogued as a self‑portrait, depicting a gentleman in formal attire, his features defined by confident, bold lines.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown wearing a top hat and a tie, his face framed by a prominent mustache. The composition focuses on the sitter’s facial expression and attire, offering a straightforward visual record of Chase’s own appearance and the sartorial conventions of his era.
Technique & Style
Chase employs a single‑plane ink drawing technique, using strong, decisive strokes to delineate facial contours, hat brim, and clothing. The contrast between the dense black lines and the white card stock creates a graphic clarity, emphasizing form over subtle shading.
History & Provenance
Executed toward the end of Chase’s career, the piece reflects his continued interest in drawing as a means of personal documentation. It remains part of the artist’s oeuvre of self‑representations, though specific details of its ownership history are not extensively recorded.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William Merritt Chase (November 1, 1849 – October 25, 1916) was an American painter, known as an exponent of Impressionism and as a teacher.
