The artwork, titled “Juan (also known as Jose No. 2, Mexican Boy),” was created by Robert Henri in 1916. This portrait falls within the American Realism art movement and exemplifies the genre of portraiture with its lifelike representation of the subject.
The artwork depicts a young boy with striking, expressive features. He is adorned in a broad-brimmed hat, which frames his face and casts shadows that add depth to his visage. The boy wears a white shirt and a blue garment layered over it, with visible brushstroke textures that convey a sense of immediacy and vitality. His dark hair and eyes contrast with the lighter, earthy tones of his attire and the background. The artist, Robert Henri, masterfully captures the boy’s serene yet thoughtful expression, drawing the viewer into the intimate portrayal of this young individual. The background, rendered in dark, indeterminate hues, ensures that the focus remains firmly on the boy, highlighting Henri’s skillful use of color and light to emphasize the subject’s human presence.
