Marine - Storm Sea 1911

Robert Henri made this painting of a storm sea with oil on canvas sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. It demonstrates an interest in the power of nature, a subject which was explored by many artists at the time. Henri was a leading figure in the Ashcan School of American art, which sought to depict urban realities and the lives of everyday people, sometimes turning away from academic traditions. Although this particular painting might seem separate from the schools, it shows an interest in capturing raw and unfiltered moments, aligning with that movement's focus on unvarnished reality. To fully appreciate this work and others of the Ashcan School, it’s essential to delve into the social history of the period through written sources and archives. Doing so helps us understand how artists like Henri viewed their role in a rapidly changing society and how they used art to comment on contemporary life.