Robert Henri (1865-1929) was a leading figure of early-twentieth-century American art, known for his role as the head of the Ashcan School. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Académie Julian before becoming a prominent teacher at the Art Students League and several other New York institutions. Henri's influential lectures, compiled in his book The Art Spirit (1923), encouraged artists to prioritize personal expression and the depiction of everyday life over traditional subjects.
Henri's painting style was characterized by bold, quick brushwork, capturing the essence of his subjects with dramatic strokes. He believed in portraying the dignity and joy of ordinary people, organizing the revolutionary exhibition of "The Eight" in 1908, which challenged the art establishment. His works are held in major collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, affirming his lasting impact on American art.
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