Portrait of Dorothy Wagstaff 1911

Robert Henri painted Portrait of Dorothy Wagstaff with oil on canvas. The work has an ethereal quality due to Henri's treatment of the paint. The brushstrokes appear loose and free, creating a dreamy effect that adds to the overall mood of the painting. The palette consists mainly of cool tones, dominated by the pastel blue of Dorothy’s dress, which contrasts beautifully against the dark background. Up close, the texture is evident. You can see the way Henri layered the paint to create depth and dimension, like near the hem of her dress where it pools on the floor. This particular mark, almost accidental, lends an informality to what would otherwise be a stiff portrait. Henri's work reminds me of John Singer Sargent, another master of portraiture, but with a bit more looseness. Like all good paintings, this one leaves room for interpretation. It's an invitation to engage with the artwork and bring your own experiences to the act of seeing.