The artwork titled “My Friend Brien,” created by Robert Henri in 1913 in Ireland, belongs to the American Realism art movement. This portrait measures 104.14 x 83.82 cm, showcasing the genre’s typical vivid and lifelike depiction of its subject.
The artwork captures an elderly man clothed in an old-fashioned, weathered coat and a dark vest, adorned with a bowler hat. His face, painted with expressive detail, reflects the wear of time with deeply etched wrinkles and a rosy complexion. The subject holds a pipe between his lips, imparting a sense of character and personality. The background is rendered in dark, muted tones, ensuring the focus remains on the man’s vibrant visage and attire. The brushstrokes are evident and textured, contributing to the palpable sense of realism Henri is renowned for.
