Indian, Ricardo 1916

Robert Henri made this painting, Indian, Ricardo, with oil on canvas. I love the juicy brushstrokes Henri uses. There’s a real tactile sense, especially in the way the blanket wraps around the figure, with its bold zig-zag pattern. Look at how the red, black, and white interact; it’s almost like the paint itself is a physical presence, creating a kind of sculptural surface. He uses thick paint and bold marks to create the form of the face and body. The way Henri models the face, with those warm, fleshy tones, reminds me a little of Manet, particularly in the way he captures a certain kind of quiet, contemplative mood. There is a real sense of warmth, but also a sort of melancholic stillness. To me it speaks to the ongoing conversation between artists across time.