Spanish Shepherd

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Robert Henri gained recognition as a leader of “The Eight,” a group of artists also called The Ashcan School for their portrayals of everyday activities of New York City’s poorest neighborhoods. An influential educator, Henri was an enthusiastic admirer of Frans Hals and Diego Velasquez, whose work he was introduced to while studying in Paris. From 1906 to 1913 Henri regularly escorted classes to Spain or Holland for the summer. Spain’s unique landscape and colorful traditions attracted Henri, but the artist devoted his greatest attention to portraiture. His subjects ranged from charming dancers and toreadors to humble gypsies and blind musicians. Henri depicted many common folk, including this lushly rendered figure, even though they held little appeal for most collectors at the time.

Keywords

Spain
Male
Hat
American
Oil painting