Thomas Eakins

Thomas Eakins (1844-1916) was an American painter, sculptor, and photographer who is considered one of the most important artists in American art history. Born in Philadelphia, Eakins studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before traveling to Europe to study painting. He returned to Philadelphia and began to develop his unique style of realism, portraying subjects with scientific accuracy and a focus on the human body. Eakins also had a passion for photography, using the medium to capture motion and explore the human form. His work often tackled controversial subjects, such as surgery and nudity, and he was known for his uncompromising pursuit of truth in his art. Despite initial criticism and rejection, Eakins' legacy has endured and he is now recognized as a pivotal figure in the development of American art.