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North River Shad

A work made of oil on canvas.

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  • A work made of oil on canvas.

Date:

c. 1910

Artist:

William Merritt Chase
American, 1849–1916

About this artwork

William Merritt Chase painted numerous versions of fish still lifes, many of which were quickly purchased by museums across the country. Because of the popularity of these works, the artist worried that he would be remembered only “as a painter of fish.” Chase’s training in the Munich style, characterized by scintillating surface texture and careful brushwork, is showcased in North River Shad. Brilliant white strokes form the fish’s iridescent scales, accentuating the weight and density of the voluminous creature at center. The painting is a striking departure from his better-known Impressionist renderings of city parks and other outdoor scenes.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of the Americas

Artist

William Merritt Chase

Title

North River Shad

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

c. 1910

Medium

Oil on canvas

Inscriptions

Signed: Wm. M. Chase, 1.1. n.d.

Dimensions

73.7 × 94 cm (29 × 37 in.)

Credit Line

Friends of American Art Collection

Reference Number

1914.56

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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