Portret van William Merrit Chase before 1902

Edward Steichen’s *Portret van William Merrit Chase* is a black and white photograph depicting the American painter William Merritt Chase. Taken before 1902, this portrait showcases Steichen’s early work in the pictorialist style, which aimed to elevate photography to the level of fine art. The photograph, printed on paper, captures Chase in a contemplative pose, his hand resting on his chin, as if lost in thought. The use of soft focus and subtle lighting contributes to the romantic mood of the image, characteristic of Steichen's early style.