Elizabeth Virginia Lanning Bradner Smith 1908

This is a portrait of Elizabeth Virginia Lanning Bradner Smith, rendered in oil on canvas by Robert Henri. Henri's approach here has everything to do with speed and confidence. Thick brushstrokes, a darkly muted palette, and an emphasis on the face and shoulders. Every mark, every gesture has been carefully considered to convey a sense of immediacy. The material qualities of oil paint also contribute to the image's enduring appeal. The pigment, ground in oil and brushed onto the canvas, creates a luscious, tactile surface that invites close looking. The artist's touch is evident in every stroke. Henri was part of a generation who wanted to escape the strictures of the academy, and make paintings that felt less contrived, more real. Paint here is a vehicle for social expression, making visible people who would often be overlooked. It is through this combination of material awareness and social consciousness that we can fully appreciate Henri’s work, and the power of craft.