A Village Boy 

Robert Henri made this portrait, called "A Village Boy," using oil paints. Henri was part of the Ashcan School, a group of artists who captured everyday life, especially that of the working class. Oil paint, traditionally associated with fine art, is here used to depict a humble subject. Look closely at the way the paint has been applied; his coat is rendered with thick, rapid strokes, giving it a rough, almost textural quality. The handling of the material speaks to the social context. The boy's simple clothes, likely made from sturdy, inexpensive fabrics, contrast with the artistic effort put into portraying him. The visible brushwork emphasizes the artist's labor, drawing a parallel between the act of painting and the work of the boy and his family. In this way, the artwork bridges the divide between fine art and the realities of everyday life, elevating the image of a common boy through skilled technique.