The Young Girl 1915

Robert Henri painted this oil on canvas, called ‘The Young Girl,’ during the early 20th century. He was a leading figure of the Ashcan School of American art. Henri and his followers sought to depict urban life with gritty realism. However, this nude of a young woman suggests a more complex relationship to American social values. In this image, Henri references the old master tradition of the female nude, but also confronts the hypocrisy of American puritanism. During that time, Victorian morality still influenced art and culture. Henri challenged that restrictive mindset, promoting artistic freedom. He also encouraged his students to find beauty in everyday life. To fully understand this work, research into the cultural politics of art institutions during that era is essential. Understanding how Henri positioned himself against the established artistic norms helps us appreciate his contribution to American art history. The image stands as a testament to the ongoing negotiation between artistic expression and social expectations.