Elsie Roland was born in Sarasota Springs, New York on Feb 17, 1863.  While in her early twenties she applied for and was accepted to the Yale School of Fine Arts and graduated in 1889.

After leaving school, Chase became a member of the prestigious New Haven Paint and Clay Club. She was a member of the National Society of Woman Painters, The Society of Independent Artists, The Hartford Art Club, and The National Art Club along with many other art related organizations. She was multi talented as a painter, Illustrator, etcher and writer.

Justine Chase, the artist's daughter, mentions her mother's love of speaking and reading the French language. Some of her paintings appear to be influenced by the French Impressionists. Some of her subjects, especially children, are related to the influence of Mary Cassat and Berth Morisot.

Eventually, Chase met and married Fredric Starkweather Chase. He was born July 2, 1862 and graduated from Yale in 1887. The couple was married on February 17, 1890. He was a successful industrialist whose family owned The Waterbury Manufacturing Co. He built an impressive home in the Brass City, that included an art studio for her an a large library. Their home was fully staffed with butlers, chauffeurs, maids and gardeners.

Chase signed her paintings using her full name, Elsie Roland Chase, giving credit to both her maiden and married names. She often used her immediate family as models for her paintings. The book, A World Remembered, by her daughter, Justine Chase contains many color reproductions of the artist's work.

Source:

Jim Kieley, Woodbury, Connecticut 03/16/05