American Realism Painter
A native of Philadelphia, Eakins had the great fortune of his father's encouragement. After studying at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, young Thomas found a studio waiting for him back at the family home. The success of early rowing and hunting scenes led him to submit the ambitious Gross Clinic to the Centennial exhibition in 1875. Though the piece was rejected and savaged by critics, Eakins' reputation soared and he landed a teaching position at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
He implemented a rigorous course of instruction at the Academy, but his insistence on nude models for anatomy studies ultimately saw him being forced to resign. Over the next 30 years, Eakins traveled, experimented with photography and painted the portraits for which he is best remembered. Less than two decades after his death, Eakins was recognized as one of the most important American painters to have ever worked - a distinction that holds to this day.
Thomas Eakins Important Works:
Max Schmitt in a Single Scull, 1871
John Biglin in a Single Scull 1
John Biglin in a Single Scull 2
Taking up the Net
Mending the Net 2
The Gross Clinic, 1875
The Agnew Clinic
Pushing for Rail
Shad Fishing at Gloucester on the Delaware River 2
The Wrestlers
Whistling for Plover
The Biglin Brothers Racing
The Biglin Brothers Turning the Stake Boat
Sailing
Taking the Count
Swimming
The Concert Singer, 1892
Portrait of Maud Cook, 1895
Birth: July 25, 1844, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Death: June 25, 1916, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
