The materials in the collection seek to document Chase's work as a portrait and
sketch artist both through his work and his contributions to the profession as a
professor and dean at Hunter College in New York City. As both a writer and portrait
painter, Chase was especially noted for his portraits of members of the U.S. Armed
Forces during World War I and World War II. In addition to the armed forces
personnel, Chase painted portraits of many notables, such as cabinet members,
ambassadors, and other government officials, as well as actors and musicians.
More detailed scope and content notes of each series are provided in the contents
list. The finding aid also includes an appendix listing the individual subjects in
the portrait index.
