F. Ambrose Clark

Robert Henri American
1904
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 774
This elegant portrait was commissioned by the wealthy family of F. Ambrose Clark (1880–1964), a gentleman jockey and, later, a successful breeder of racehorses. Henri was the leader of the Ashcan School and a mentor to other members. Although he painted some urban scenes of the sort they preferred, he was more active as a portraitist, often, as here, enlisting the style of Diego Velázquez, which had also inspired John Singer Sargent and William Merritt Chase. Naturalistic demeanor, flattened space, broad brushwork, and a monochromatic palette are hallmarks of that style.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: F. Ambrose Clark
  • Artist: Robert Henri (American, Cincinnati, Ohio 1865–1929 New York)
  • Date: 1904
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 77 5/8 x 38 1/4 in. (197.2 x 97.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Stephen C. Clark Jr. Gift, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.218
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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