Robert Henri

[Gene Snyder]

I've always loved Henri's work and teachings and have read "The Art Spirit" a zillion times over. The guy lived and breathed art. I just read a great book about him and found out many things about his life and art that I didn't know and though I'd share.

Did you know?

- His father changed his name when he was young from Robert Henry Cozad to Robert Henri to protect him and his family.
- His father was a great gambler and businessman and was wanted for murder and running from the law.
- He was a sixth cousin of Mary Cassatt.
- He was not fond of William Merritt Chase and his views on art.
- He was trained in Paris by Bouguereau.
- He founded the Charcoal Club in Baltimore.
- He taught many successful artists like Edward Hopper and Rockwell Kent.
- His sister-in-law, being granted his paintings after his second wife's death, destroyed and burned many of his artworks right in his own studio!!

Just a few things that I find fascinating about this artist. Neat to make those connections and see how everything fits together.

Enjoy!
Gene