The Laughing Boy (Jobie) 1910

Robert Henri's "The Laughing Boy," or "Jobie," is alive with dark oil paint and raw brushstrokes. Henri's process is so obvious, like he just needed to get it down, quick! Look at the way the light hits Jobie’s face, it's almost theatrical. The thick paint on his cheeks and forehead makes him pop against the dark background. You can practically see Henri wrestling with the paint, trying to catch that fleeting moment of pure joy. Henri's mark making reminds me of Frans Hals, who also used loose brushwork to capture a sense of immediacy and character. Ultimately, I like that this painting doesn’t try to be too polished or perfect; it’s honest and full of life, just like a kid's laugh. It invites us to appreciate the beauty in imperfection and the joy of the moment.