Early Life, Family and Training To understand the technical rigor of William Merritt Chase, one must look past the polished surfaces of his later Impressionist works to the pragmatic beginnings in Indiana. Born on November 1, 1849, in Williamsburg, he was the son of Sarah Swain and David H. Chase. When the family relocated to Indianapolis in 1861, the trajectory of his life seemed destined for commerce rather than canvas. He spent his…