The Ashcan School was an artistic movement in the early 20th century, primarily in the United States. It focused on depicting everyday life and urban scenes, often highlighting the struggles of working-class people. Artists associated with this movement aimed to portray realism and authenticity, moving away from traditional, idealized subjects. Key figures of the Ashcan School included artists like Robert Henri, George Luks, and John Sloan. They often painted scenes from cities like New York, capturing the vibrancy and grit of urban life. The movement played a significant role in the development of American art, influencing later styles such as American Realism.