My Friend Brien 1913

Robert Henri’s portrait, “My Friend Brien”, uses oil paints to capture an image of a man in everyday dress. Look closely and you’ll notice how the fluidity of the paint allows Henri to capture the textures of the man’s clothing. The thick brushstrokes give weight to the heavy coat and define its form, while lighter touches suggest the textures of the vest and bowler hat. Henri's brushwork is loose and expressive, reflecting an appreciation for the physicality of paint, and a conscious decision not to overwork the image. Henri was part of the Ashcan School, a movement that embraced realist subjects and portrayed ordinary life. It was a response to the refined conventions of the art establishment. By focusing on the material qualities of paint, and choosing subjects from everyday life, Henri challenged traditional distinctions between high art and craft.