size of the original painting: 14 inches x 18 inches
Henry’s painting is the perfect example of how to tell a story with details. Those details give us so much information about this unfortunate girl! Look at her expression and pose. What do you think she’s thinking about? Now look at the holes, tears, and impatient stitches in her clothing. What do they say about her personality? What other details can you find that gives us more information about her?
Next, look around the classroom. Notice the worn floorboards and seats and how the darkness of the room contrasts with the light and freedom of being outside. And although we don’t see the teacher, we know she’s there since her hat and jacket are still hanging on the wall and the chair hasn’t been pushed in. All these details make us want to know more about this story—who this girl is, who her friends are (probably not the silly girls outside), and what she did to be stuck inside with her slate and a book. Even though this happened a long time ago, Henry’s painting makes it easy for us to sympathize with her!
Meet the Artist:
Edward Lamson Henry was only 7 when he became an orphan and went to live with relatives. By the time he turned 14 he was studying art and was really good. In addition to learning how to paint at home, Edward later studied in Pennsylvania, Paris, and Italy.
Edward preferred painting from real life. And after serving in the Civil War, he vowed to only paint American subjects. This includes a time when he visited the South and created many paintings with only African Americans in them.
Fun facts about Henry:
• He paid attention to the smallest details and was impatient when other artists were careless about painting various objects, or if they didn’t do enough research to make sure things were consistent with the proper era.
• His cousin (Samuel P. Avery), gave him private art lessons and was the founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Where in the world: The United States
