The artwork titled “El Tango” by Robert Henri, created in 1908, is a prominent piece within the American Realism movement. This portrait captures the essence of its time and genre through Henri’s meticulous attention to detail and vibrant depiction of the subject matter.
The artwork features a confident woman dressed in a floral-embroidered, fringed shawl draped over a white dress. Her playful, yet poised appearance is further accentuated by a large, broad-brimmed hat that rests elegantly upon her head. The use of bright, vivid colors in her attire contrasts beautifully with the dark, muted background, thereby drawing attention to her figure. The subject’s expression exudes a sense of joy and engagement, reflecting the lively nature and cultural depth associated with the tango dance. The manner in which Robert Henri utilizes light and shadow enhances the three-dimensional quality of the portrait, epitomizing the American Realism style by focusing on accurate and realistic depictions of ordinary people and their surroundings.
