Artwork
Portrait of My Daughter Alice
Portrait of My Daughter Alice is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist William Merritt Chase. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Classified as a portrait genre painting, the piece reflects Chase's characteristic handling of the medium within the United States during the late 19th century.
William Merritt Chase executed Portrait of My Daughter Alice in 1895 using oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 183 cm in height and 121.2 cm in width, presenting a substantial scale for an intimate domestic portrait. Classified as a portrait genre painting, the piece reflects Chase's characteristic handling of the medium within the United States during the late 19th century.
The physical dimensions and material composition align with his established practice of working in oil on canvas for significant figurative works.
History & Provenance
William Merritt Chase created the oil-on-canvas portrait Portrait of My Daughter Alice in 1895. The work was executed in the United States and measures 183 cm in height by 121.2 cm in width. It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1920.254. The painting serves as a portrait of the artist's daughter, Alice.
The piece dates specifically to January 1, 1895, marking its inception during the late 19th century. As a significant example of Chase's portraiture, the work remains a part of the museum's permanent holdings.
Portrait of My Daughter Alice is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is accessioned under the identifier 1920.254. The painting, executed in oil on canvas in 1895, measures 183.0 cm × 121.2 cm and is classified as a portrait. Its creation is documented in both internal records and the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection database. Exhibition records are not detailed in the supplied sources, so no exhibition history can be reported here.
Overview
William Merritt Chase's Portrait of My Daughter Alice, painted in 1898, is an oil on canvas work representative of American Impressionism. This intimate portrait depicts the artist's daughter, Alice, captured within a domestic interior. The painting is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art, showcasing Chase's skill in rendering light and texture through his distinctive painterly approach.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents Alice from behind, her figure dominating a dimly lit room. She wears a long white dress adorned with lace and a matching hat, her hands gently clasped. The composition places her against a backdrop of a red curtain and a dark wall, with subtle details like unlit candles on a table and a red chair adding to the quiet, contemplative atmosphere. This perspective invites viewers to consider the subject's inner world rather than her direct gaze.
Context
William Merritt Chase was a significant figure in American art, recognized both for his painting and his profound influence as an educator. He established the Chase School, an institution that later evolved into the renowned Parsons School of Design, shaping generations of artists. This portrait of his daughter exemplifies his personal connection to his subjects while also reflecting the broader artistic currents he championed during his prolific career.
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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.
