Robert Henri (1865-1929) was an American artist, teacher, and an outspoken advocate of modernism in painting. He is best known for his leadership of the group of realist painters known as "The Eight," later termed the Ashcan School. Henri was a devotee of realism and the usage of everyday city life as a subject matter. He taught at the Art Students League in New York from 1915-1928, and had a profound influence upon early 20th century painters such as Stuart Davis, Rockwell Kent, and Edward Hopper.