Artwork
Calero (Antonio Baños)
Calero (Antonio Baños) is an oil painting by Robert Henri. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
About this work
Overview
Calero (Antonio Baños) is an oil painting created by Robert Henri in 1908. The work is a portrait of Antonio Baños, rendered in a realistic style characteristic of the Ashcan School movement.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Antonio Baños, is depicted in attire suggesting a possible performance or notable background, including a wide-brimmed hat, gold jacket with puffy shoulders, white shirt, and red tie. His serious expression and direct gaze engage the viewer.
Technique & Style
Henri's technique emphasizes detailed realism, evident in the intricate rendering of Baños' clothing and facial features. The dark background contrasts with the subject's vibrant attire, enhancing his prominence.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1908 by Robert Henri, a key figure in the Ashcan School known for rejecting idealized representations in favor of candid, urban realism. The painting is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's collection.
Context
Created within the Ashcan School's framework, this painting reflects the movement's emphasis on honest, unromanticized depictions of urban life and its inhabitants, diverging from the National Academy of Design's more conservative approach.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Henri (; June 24, 1865 – July 12, 1929) was an American painter and teacher.
