The Ashcan School

A group of early 20th century American artists who often painted gritty scenes of New York City tenement life, they were dubbed the Ashcan School by a critic who disliked their subject matter. The group was comprised of eight painters who were rejected by the National Academy exhibition in 1907. In response, they organized an alternative exhibition at the Macbeth Gallery, New York that is considered a milestone in the history of modern American painting.

A journalist of the time called them “The Eight.” The intellectual leader of the group was Robert Henri from Philadelphia, who was joined by four painters who had worked with him as newspaper illustrators: John Sloan, Everett Shinn, William Glackens and George Luks. Their subject matter portrayed the transient and everyday realities of American life. They were jointed by landscape painters Ernest Lawson and Maurice Prendergast, and symbolist Arthur B. Davies.

For more information about John Sloan click here

For more information about Maurice Prendergast click here

For more information about William Glackens click here

For more information about Robert Henri click here

For more information about George Luks click here

For more information about Ernest Lawson click here

For more information about Everett Shinn click here

For more information about Arthur B. Davies click here