Bars, Brawls, and Backstreets: Art of the Ashcan School

About the Class

At the turn of the 20th century, the United States experienced a period of rapid transformation caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. Galvanized by the charismatic artist and teacher Robert Henri, a group of young artists turned a critical eye to the shifting urban landscape, recording its streets, bars, theaters, and tenement buildings. In paintings and prints, these “ashcan” artists documented the birth of the modern American city. In this class, we will examine and think critically about the work of George Bellows, John Sloan, William Glackens, and Everett Shinn, among others.

The class is online-only. More about online classes.

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Barnes classes will:

• Sharpen your observational and critical thinking skills.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

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