Robert Henri espoused radical views during his career that played an important role in defining American art. In 1865 Robert was born in Cincinnati as Robert Henry Cozad. After his father was acquitted of a murder charge, however, the family members found it prudent to adopt a new surname. The family left Ohio in 1872 for the open plains of Nebraska, but eventually moved to New Jersey. A family friend encouraged Robert to attend the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts after seeing his work. He took the advice, and, after two years of drawing and painting at the Academy, Henri moved to Paris for more training.

He traveled widely and eagerly absorbed all that he could both in and out of the world of art. After 1900, he worked in New York and built a reputation as both an artist and teacher. It was during this time that his views on art were forcefully expressed. He revolted against the jaded academic training that he believed stifled creativity and called for a new approach to art. He also felt it was time for America to step out of the shadow of Europe and develop its own artistic language. Henri's defining moment came in 1908 when he organized a show in protest of the National Academy of Design's standards. The eight artists that comprised the show later became known as The Eight and were grouped together as members of the Ashcan School, so-called because of their bawdy realism and revolt against outdated conventions. Robert Henri died in 1929.

A Seated Man
c.1902 charcoal on paper
12" x 7" 1981.032

 
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