Portrait of Tillie 

Robert Henri painted this portrait of Tillie using oil on canvas sometime in the early 20th century. Henri was a leading figure in the Ashcan School, a movement that sought to depict everyday life, especially of the urban poor, rejecting the formalism of the Academy. "Portrait of Tillie" exemplifies Henri's commitment to portraying ordinary people with dignity and respect. Tillie's identity is not known for sure, but she is thought to be an immigrant. Henri’s loose brushwork and warm color palette capture Tillie’s youth and vitality. The painting challenges the conventions of traditional portraiture, which often focused on the wealthy and powerful and it reflects the progressive social ideals of the time. To fully appreciate Henri's project, one might consult sources such as period newspapers, social surveys, and exhibition reviews, gaining insight into both the social context and the institutional framework that gave rise to the Ashcan School. We see that art is deeply embedded in its social and cultural moment.