Theodore Robinson 1878

Kenyon Cox made this pencil on paper drawing of Theodore Robinson in 1878. It’s a portrait of one artist by another, both of whom were working at a time when artists were acutely aware of their public role. Robinson is depicted in a candid moment, his arms crossed, his gaze averted. Cox, an American artist who trained in Paris, likely encountered Robinson within the vibrant expatriate art scene. These artists were navigating their identities in relation to European traditions and emerging American aesthetics. The sketch, rapidly executed, reveals an intimacy between the artists. It also illustrates the networks of artists supporting each other, both socially and professionally. The casual nature of the drawing, however, also raises questions about the status of the artist at that time. Was Robinson an equal, a mentor, or simply a friend? Understanding their relationship can come from researching letters and archives, piecing together the complex social dynamics of the art world. It reminds us that artworks are made within—and reflect—specific social and institutional contexts.