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.
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.
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.
