William Merritt Chase 1849-1916

By descent in the family to the present owner

Very good condition, some pindots of loss, slight frame abrasion along top and bottom edge; under UV: fine
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Fred Baker, co-author of the forthcoming catalogue raisonné on Chase, writes "Chase completed many small panel paintings throughout his career, many being studies of the terrain about his home in Shinnecock Hills. The work may have been intended as a 'school prize' - works given to meritorious paintings by students at the Shinnecock Summer School of Art (1891-1902), though these are generally signed and sometimes inscribed to the recipient. It is not clear as to whether the signature on the back of the panel was written by Chase who invariably signed his name as Wm. M. Chase - very few works are signed W M Chase. But the address written on the back of the panel clearly indicates it was completed during the early years of the Shinnecock Summer School of Art as he gave up his studio in the Tenth Street Studio Building at 51 West 10th St. in 1896."