Movement, Style, School or Type of Art:
Realism
But - definitely not the same type of "Realism" we assign to, say, the French Realists who were trying to enact social reforms. Eakins was a trend setter in his use of photographs (a new technology), to which he referred to add accuracy to his painted works. This, combined with his extensive studies in human anatomy, have led some historians to label Eakins' style as "Scientific Realism."
Date and Place of Birth:
July 25, 1844, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Life:
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.
Important Works:
- Max Schmitt in a Single Scull, 1871
- The Gross Clinic, 1875
- Miss Amelia van Buren, 1889-91
- The Concert Singer, 1892
- Portrait of Maud Cook, 1895
Date and Place of Death:
June 25, 1916, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
How To Pronounce "Eakins":
ay·kins
(Long "a" as in "hay.")Go to Artist Profiles: Names beginning with "E" or Artist Profiles: Main Index
