“Old Johnnie’s Wife” is an artwork painted by Robert Henri in 1913. The piece is a portrait and is part of the American Realism art movement. The portrait captures an elderly woman with a thoughtful and composed expression, embodying the ethos of realism through its meticulous attention to detail and vibrant color palette.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman wearing a dark blue headscarf with lighter blue and white accents, which frames her face. Her cheeks are slightly rosy, suggesting a life marked by the outdoors. She is dressed in a blue cloak that drapes over her shoulders and a light-colored blouse beneath it. Her garment and the surrounding elements in the artwork reflect strong brushstrokes, indicative of Henri’s style, which emphasizes the textures of the fabric and the flesh tones of the subject’s skin. The background is dark, allowing the woman’s figure to stand out prominently, focusing the viewer’s attention on her serene and pensive demeanor. The portrayal maintains a sense of dignity and grace, inviting contemplation of the life and experiences of the woman depicted.
