Berna Escudero 1922

Robert Henri captured Berna Escudero on canvas using oil paints, a medium known for its lusciousness and depth. Looking at this painting, I imagine Henri, brush in hand, circling Berna, trying to catch her spirit. The red is so intense, so alive. It makes me wonder about his process, the back and forth between what he sees and what he feels. Notice how the red of her dress almost vibrates against the darker, more muted background. Henri’s brushstrokes feel so immediate and full of energy, like he’s trying to grab a fleeting moment. It reminds me of other painters, like Manet or Velázquez, who weren’t just painting portraits, but also trying to capture something about the human condition. Painting is a dialogue. We're all in conversation with each other, across time, inspiring each other to see the world in new ways.