Robert Henri, born Robert Henry Cozad on June 24, 1865, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a prominent American painter and teacher. He was a leading figure of the Ashcan School of American realism and an advocate for the idea that art should be akin to journalism – a direct, unflinching recording of life. Henri's early education took place in various cities, including Cozad, Nebraska, which his father founded. After a scandal involving his father, the family moved and changed their name to 'Henri.'
Henri studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, where he met future members of the Ashcan School, including John Sloan and William Glackens. He continued his education in Paris at the Académie Julian, where he was exposed to the works of French Realists and Impressionists. After returning to America, Henri became an influential art teacher at the New York School of Art, where his open-minded philosophy and focus on the importance of personal expression greatly impacted his students, who included Edward Hopper, George Bellows, and Rockwell Kent.
Henri's own painting style was characterized by a bold use of paint and an emphasis on capturing the essence of the subject, rather than a detailed likeness. He frequently painted urban scenes, portraits, and landscapes. His 1907 painting 'The Artful Dodger' is considered one of his masterpieces.
Beyond his painting, Henri was also an important figure in the early 20th-century art world for his opposition to the restrictive exhibition practices of the National Academy of Design. This led him to organize a landmark exhibition in 1908, known as 'The Eight,' which showcased works by Henri and seven other artists. This exhibition was critical in the promotion of new American art styles and was a precursor to the famous 1913 Armory Show.
Henri continued to paint and teach until his death on July 12, 1929, in New York City. His legacy lives on through his influential book 'The Art Spirit,' which compiles his beliefs about art and advice to young artists. Robert Henri's impact on American art and art education has cemented him as a significant figure in the American realist tradition.
