Ruth St. Denis in the Peacock Dance

As with many of his compatriots among the Ashcan painters, Henri had an avid interest in the theater, evidenced by this striking full-length portrait of the celebrated modern dance pioneer Ruth St. Denis. Captivated by St. Denis's soon-to-be-legendary performance at New York's Palace vaudeville house, Henri asked the dancer to pose for what he called "a mighty propaganda." Read more... [PAFA]