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Lot Essay
We would like to thank Valerie Ann Leeds for her assistance with cataloguing this lot.
The present work depicts the artist's sister-in-law, Violet Organ. Between 1914 and 1916, Violet, better known as Viv, appeared in numerous compositions by the artist. Valerie Leeds writes, "Viv was a favored model of Henri and she posed for him repeatedly throughout the years." Speaking of the present work, Leeds notes, "The portrait of Viv was painted in Falmouth, Massachusetts where he had to go for a portrait commission. Viv was exceptionally close to the Henri's and frequently accompanied them on summer excursions. During this time, Henri was executing a number of female portraits, both bust- and half-length nudes and clothed studies in similar palettes. As seen in Viv, his work during this phase appropriated a more colorful spectrum of brightened tones." ("Robert Henri: An American Icon," Robert Henri: An American Icon, New York, 1998, exhibition catalogue, n.p.)
The present work depicts the artist's sister-in-law, Violet Organ. Between 1914 and 1916, Violet, better known as Viv, appeared in numerous compositions by the artist. Valerie Leeds writes, "Viv was a favored model of Henri and she posed for him repeatedly throughout the years." Speaking of the present work, Leeds notes, "The portrait of Viv was painted in Falmouth, Massachusetts where he had to go for a portrait commission. Viv was exceptionally close to the Henri's and frequently accompanied them on summer excursions. During this time, Henri was executing a number of female portraits, both bust- and half-length nudes and clothed studies in similar palettes. As seen in Viv, his work during this phase appropriated a more colorful spectrum of brightened tones." ("Robert Henri: An American Icon," Robert Henri: An American Icon, New York, 1998, exhibition catalogue, n.p.)