Luxembourg Gardens, Stormy Sky 

Robert Henri captured this scene of the Luxembourg Gardens, with oils likely applied 'alla prima' – wet on wet. Henri embraced the direct application of paint, with visible brushstrokes. The thickness and texture of the oil paint becomes an integral part of the artwork. The quick, deliberate marks suggest that Henri painted this 'en plein air', that is, outdoors, capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere. The very immediacy of the marks, the blending of colors directly on the canvas, all contribute to the image's sense of liveliness. Consider the labor involved in creating an artwork like this. It's not just about technical skill. There’s a deliberate choice to work quickly, to capture a fleeting moment. This painting, like many Impressionist works, reflects a shift in artistic values towards spontaneity and direct engagement with the world. It celebrates the artist's hand and the immediacy of perception, valuing the freshness of the moment over meticulous detail.