Robert Henri

Robert Henri encouraged students at his New York art school to find inspiration in their contemporary surroundings. His portrait summons the grand manner seventeenth century Spanish tradition of full-length figures painted against dark backgrounds. Henri challenged the past with a modern subject, portraying a young woman who had come to New York in pursuit of professional opportunity. Penn, a dancer, made her debut on Broadway in 1901. Her bold gaze and confident pose communicate her independence and spirit.