The Reader in the Forest 1918

"The Reader in the Forest" is a 1918 pastel drawing by American artist Robert Henri. The piece depicts a lone woman sitting in a forest clearing, engrossed in a book. Henri's use of dark blues and greens creates a moody atmosphere, highlighting the tranquility of the scene. The woman's figure is rendered in a loose, gestural style, capturing the artist's emphasis on capturing the essence of his subject. Henri, known for his "Ashcan School" of realism, often depicted ordinary people in everyday situations, conveying a sense of authenticity and human connection.