Thomas Eakins (1844 to 1916)
Born in 1844, Thomas Eakins grew up in Philadelphia and later studied in Paris. His focus on portrait paintings grew from his appreciation of the candid humanism seen in 17th century Dutch and Spanish paintings. Instead of focusing on lavish, ornate detail aimed to impress the viewer, Eakins shows extreme but honest human emotion in his portraits. His talent and ability to create a somber yet frank tone has been rarely matched. Most of his portraits depict family members or friends whom he held in high esteem, and evoke a quiet yet inescapable sympathy.
Information courtesy of Freeman’s Auctions