Eugene Higgins

Eugene Higgins was an American artist born on February 14, 1874, in Kansas City, Missouri, and he passed away on February 19, 1958, in New York City. He was associated with the Ashcan School, a movement known for its focus on depicting the everyday lives of the urban working class. Higgins is recognized for his empathetic portrayal of the struggles and resilience of the poor, often rendered in a somber palette that underscored the gravity of his subjects. His work was influenced by his studies at the Académie Julian in Paris and his exposure to the social realism of European artists. Throughout his career, Higgins exhibited widely, including at the National Academy of Design, and his work contributed to the broader discourse on social issues in early 20th-century American art. His legacy is marked by his commitment to social realism and his ability to convey the dignity of his subjects through his poignant and expressive style.