Portrait of Mrs. Edward H. (Catherine) Bennett 

Robert Henri's portrait captures Mrs. Edward H. (Catherine) Bennett with a striking garment, a modern interpretation of classical drapery, painted with loose brushstrokes, creating a sense of immediacy. Notice the black lines that frame her neck and décolletage. The symbolism in this Y-shaped motif is profound, echoing the forked paths of destiny seen in ancient Greek art or the protective ‘apotropaic’ symbols designed to ward off evil. Consider how this motif, like the protective eye in ancient Egypt, resurfaces, subtly altered, in various eras. Here, it presents a modern take, softened yet still suggestive of protection or perhaps even a veiled reference to life's choices and inevitable crossings. The garment, a shield of sorts, hints at a deeper psychological interplay. The motif's presence engages our collective memory, evoking emotions tied to protection, destiny, and the unspoken forces that shape our paths. The symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings through different times.