Herself was painted by Robert Henri in 1913.

Where can I see Herself?

Herself is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Herself?

Herself is associated with Ashcan School.

Can I buy a print of Herself?

Museum-quality prints of Herself are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Herself

Robert Henri , 1913

Herself is an oil painting by the Ashcan School artist Robert Henri. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1913, Herself is an oil on canvas by American artist Robert Henri. The work belongs to the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago and exemplifies Henri’s turn toward direct, unembellished representation of contemporary subjects, a hallmark of his involvement with the Ashcan School.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a seated woman clothed in a blue dress and a dark scarf that covers her head. Her gaze meets the viewer with a solemn intensity, suggesting a moment of personal reflection or self‑presentation. The sparse, dim background isolates her figure, emphasizing her presence and inner character over any narrative setting.

Technique & Style

Henri renders the sitter’s face with meticulous attention, employing a palette that shifts from muted shadows to subtle highlights, creating a sense of volume through chiaroscuro. Brushwork remains controlled yet expressive, allowing the textures of fabric and skin to emerge while maintaining the overall realism associated with his urban portraiture.

History & Provenance

After its completion, the painting entered the holdings of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it remains on view. Henri, who had studied in Paris before rejecting the prevailing academic conventions in the United States, produced Herself during a period when he was establishing himself as a leading figure in a movement that sought to depict everyday life with honesty and vigor.