A Turbulent Beginnings

Robert Henri, an American painter and teacher, was born on June 24, 1865, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His early life was marked by the tumultuous relationship between his father, John Jackson Cozad, a gambler and real estate developer, and his mother, Theresa Gatewood Cozad. This led to a significant event in 1882, which would alter the course of their lives.

The Ashcan School and The Eight

Robert Henri became a leading figure of the Ashcan School of American realism and an organizer of The Eight, a loose association of artists who protested against the restrictive exhibition practices of the powerful, conservative National Academy of Design. This group included William Glackens, George Luks, Everett Shinn, and John Sloan.

Artistic Evolution

Henri's artistic journey began in 1886 at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, under Thomas Anshutz. He later traveled to Paris in 1888 to study at the Académie Julian, where he was influenced by William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Francois Millet, eventually embracing Impressionism.

Teaching and Influence

Henri began teaching at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women in 1892. His students included Joseph Stella, Edward Hopper, Rockwell Kent, George Bellows, Norman Raeben, Louis D. Fancher, and Stuart Davis.

Personal Life and Later Years

In 1898, Henri married Linda Craige, a student from his private art class. After her passing in 1905, he remarried Marjorie Organ in 1908. His later years were marked by his continued influence on American Realism.

• Key Works: "Woman in Manteau" (1899) and "La Neige" ("The Snow"), which was purchased by the French government for display in the Musée du Luxembourg.
• Notable Students: Joseph Stella, Edward Hopper, Rockwell Kent, George Bellows, Norman Raeben, Louis D. Fancher, and Stuart Davis.
• Artistic Movement: Ashcan School of American Realism.

Legacy

Robert Henri's impact on American art is undeniable. His commitment to realism and his influence on the next generation of artists have left an indelible mark. Explore more about Robert Henri and his contemporaries at The American Realism Art Movement or delve into the world of Edward Hopper, one of his notable students, at Edward Hopper.