Robert Henri, born Robert Henry Cozad on June 24, 1865, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a pivotal figure in American art, known for his role in the Ashcan School and his progressive teaching methods. After his family fled to Atlantic City under assumed names following a violent incident in Nebraska, Henri began his art education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Further studies in Paris at the Académie Julian exposed him to European avant-garde movements, shaping his artistic philosophy. Returning to the U.S., Henri settled in Philadelphia and later New York, where he gathered a group of artists who became the Ashcan School. They sought to depict everyday life with raw realism, challenging traditional academic standards. Henri's portraits, noted for their psychological depth and dynamic brushwork, and his scenes of urban life exemplify this approach. An influential teacher at the Art Students League of New York, Henri inspired many prominent artists, including Edward Hopper and George Bellows. His book, "The Art Spirit," remains a seminal text on artistic practice. Henri's later work included vibrant portraits of diverse subjects, reflecting his ongoing exploration of individuality and social themes. He died on July 12, 1929, leaving a lasting legacy in American art.