Monday Morning Museum: The Ashcan School

The Ashcan School – New York City from the early 1900s to circa 1913

The Ashcan School, also called the Ash Can School, is defined as a realist artistic movement that came into prominence in the United States during the early twentieth century, best known for works portraying scenes of daily life in New York's poorer neighborhoods. The movement grew out of a group known as The Eight, whose only show together in 1908 created a sensation. – Wikipedia.org

In addition to William James Glackens (see art example below), other members of The Ashcan School are Robert Henri, George Wesley Bellows, Everett Shinn, George Benjamin Luks and John French Sloan

Chez Mouquin, 1905 by William James Glackens (1870-1938)

In this vivid painting, William Glackens portrayed the members of his circle at their favorite meeting place, the restaurant Mouquin's in New York City. Jeanne Mouquin, the proprietor's wife, shares a drink with James B. Moore, a wealthy playboy and restaurateur, while the artist's wife, Edith, and art critic Charles Fitzgerald are reflected in the mirror behind them. Jeanne Mouquin is the focal point of the composition; not only did Glackens paint her outfit with eye-catching brushwork, but he also used the mystery of her intent gaze to imbue the work with tension. By combining portraiture and genre painting, the artist avoided clear narrative conventions and helped usher in a mode of painting suited to the uncertainties of modern urban life. However, the unusually candid depiction of drinking was criticized for its perceived impropriety. – Art Institute of Chicago

Last Monday’s Art – Arte Povera
Next Monday’s Art – The Barbizon School

Top of post: “The Ashcan School” graphic created by Adrean Darce Brent
Below: “Monday Morning Museum” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent