About William James Glackens

  • Biography

    Born in Philadelphia, William Glackens became an Impressionist painter who modified the style by retaining delineation of figures. But early in his career, he was an active Social Realist when the 'Ash Can' approach to painting was being promoted by Glackens' good friend, Robert Henri. However, Glackens eschewed subjects of the seamier side of society and adopted more refined depictions such as upper class persons strolling in parks, sitting in cafes, and studio posed still lifes and figures. Of Glackens' inclination to distance himself from less-than-pleasant subjects, art historian Matthew Baigell wrote: "Of all the realists around Henri, Glackens was perhaps least attracted to the life of the streets, preferring scenes of middle-class ac...

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