An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Portrait of Dora Wheeler1882–83
William Merritt Chase
Dora Wheeler became Chase's first student when he returned from overseas study in Munich and set up a teaching studio in New York. At the time, few American artists accepted women as private pupils. After her course of study, Wheeler joined her mother in launching a successful decorating firm, one of the first businesses in the country to be operated entirely by women. For the firm, she designed luxurious textiles, and the embroidered silk tapestry that fills the background in her portrait references her occupational interest. Chase's portrait was awarded a gold medal at an international exhibition of contemporary art in Munich in 1883, and later that year was also shown in Paris. At some later point, the painting was acquired by the sitter, who subsequently donated it to the museum.
Chase and Wheeler worked together to raise money for constructing the Statue of Liberty's pedestal.
oil on canvas
Framed: 180.6 x 188.6 x 11 cm (71 1/8 x 74 1/4 x 4 5/16 in.); Unframed: 159.8 x 166.4 cm (62 15/16 x 65 1/2 in.)
Gift of Mrs. Boudinot Keith in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade
In the vibrant heart of New York, a blossoming artistic world awaited the return of an ambitious painter named Chase. Fresh from his studies in Munich, Chase was ready to impart his knowledge, and the air was thick with anticipation. Among the first to step into his new studio—where paint and passion intertwined—was a young woman named Dora Wheeler. She was not just any student; she would soon carve her name in the annals of art history.
In an era when the doors of art schools were often closed to women, Wheeler defied the odds, eager to learn under Chase's guiding hand. Her spirit shone brightly, fueled by a determined vision. After completing her studies, she joined forces with her mother to establish a decorating firm that was nothing short of groundbreaking—one of the first in the country run entirely by women. Their venture soon flourished, marking a significant shift in the traditional landscape of business and creativity.
Dora's meticulous touch was evident in the luxurious textiles she crafted, each design a testimony to her skill and artistry. In her portrait, we can see the embroidery of a silk tapestry, its intricate patterns whispering tales of her occupational passions and dreams.
As time drifted onward, Chase's masterful portrait of Dora took center stage, earning accolades that echoed far beyond the bustling streets of New York. In 1883, at an international exhibition of contemporary art in Munich, the painting was adorned with a gold medal, a recognition of exceptional talent. That same year, it journeyed to Paris, captivating art lovers in a city that breathed creativity.
Yet, the story of this remarkable painting did not end there. A twist of fate saw the piece returned to its original muse, Dora Wheeler. With grace and gratitude, she chose to donate it to a museum, ensuring that her tale—and Chase's masterful brushwork—would be shared with future generations, inspiring countless visitors to dream and create. This portrait, infused with the spirit of perseverance, remains a lasting tribute to the bond between a teacher and his student, and the powerful legacy of women in art.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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