Figure

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Figure** by Robert Frederick Blum (18571903) is an early work from 1876, created when the American artist was just 19 old. Blum, a prominent figure in late 19th-century American art, began his career studying at the School of the Museum Fine Arts in Boston before traveling to Europe, where he honed his skills portraiture, genre scenes, and later, Japanese-influenced prints. This, classified as a "figure," likely represents one of his initial explorations into the human form, a foundational subject for aspiring artists of the era. Though the medium remains unknown and research is ongoing, the work's place in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection highlights its value as a snapshot of Blum's developing talent. Donated by Henrietta Haller, it joins other treasures in the Smithsonian Collection, underscoring the artist's growing reputation. In 1876, American art was shifting toward realism and naturalism, influenced by European academies, and Blum's focus on figures reflects this academic training. Visitors will appreciate how *Figure* captures the promise of a young talent who would later contribute to the Cos Cob art colony and etchings of Venetian life, offering a glimpse into the roots of American artistic innovation.