Object Details
original artist
Chase, William Merritt
graphic artist
Unger, William
Description
In 1879 William Unger, a Vienna-based artist, etched this reproduction of William Merritt Chase’s 1876 portrait of friend and fellow painter Frank Duveneck, titled The Smoker. Duveneck is wearing a Dutch-style hat and smoking a long Dutch clay pipe as he holds a portrait print after Frans Hals. Unger etched many prints after Hals and other old masters as well as after contemporary artists like Chase. His etchings were published widely in both Europe and the United States. Some appeared loose in portfolios so that they could be framed or set up on an easel for study.
Frank Duveneck (1848–1919), son of German immigrants, began his art studies in the United States. Dissatisfied with the experience, he went to Munich in 1870 to attend classes at the Bavarian Royal Academy, where he met William Merritt Chase in 1872. He and Chase became close friends and Chase made several portraits of Duveneck during their years in Munich.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Ferris Collection
Date made
1879
ID Number
GA.14974
catalog number
14974
accession number
94830
Object Name
print
Etching
Object Type
Etching
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
ink (overall material)
Measurements
image: 24.5 cm x 13 cm; 9 5/8 in x 5 1/8 in
plate: 26 cm x 16 cm; 10 1/4 in x 6 5/16 in
sheet: 31 cm x 23.5 cm; 12 3/16 in x 9 1/4 in
Related Publication
Pisano, Ronald G.. William Merritt Chase in the Company of Friends
McCann, Clarence David, Jr.. The Ripening of American Art: Duveneck & Chase
See more items in
Work and Industry: Graphic Arts
Ferris Collection
Communications
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Portraits
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1002519