The Laughing Boy (Jobie) 1910

Robert Henri made "The Laughing Boy (Jobie)" with oil on canvas. Just look at that smile! I can imagine Henri, brush in hand, really trying to catch this kid’s energy, the immediacy of a fleeting expression. The surface seems alive with these quick strokes, thick in some parts, thin in others, especially on that shirt. I wonder if he began with darker shades and then built up the lighter tones to emphasize the gleam in his eyes and the curve of his cheek. It's fun to see that Henri was part of a group called The Eight, painters who wanted to depict everyday life. But, in a way, isn't every portrait a slice of daily life? Each brushstroke feels like a small gesture, a moment of connection between the artist and the kid. The painting feels like a living thing, still giggling after all these years.