Betalo, Nude 1916

Robert Henri made "Betalo, Nude" with visible, confident brushstrokes. It’s all about how the paint's applied, not hiding the process. Henri isn't shy with his materials. The texture isn't super thick, but you can see the marks; they're like clues about how he was feeling as he painted. Notice the dark background - it's almost like a storm, a contrast to the warm tones of the model's skin. Her right hand is elegantly posed, adorned with a ring. It’s a focal point, drawing you in. Henri was part of the Ashcan School, a group that painted everyday life. You might see echoes of Manet here, in the directness and the subject matter. For me, this painting isn't just about a nude; it's about seeing, feeling, and making something real on canvas. It’s an open conversation about beauty and how we capture it.