Happy birthday, artist Thomas Eakins

The Swimming Hole (1884-1885), Thomas Eakins. The artist appears in the lower right corner.

It is the birthday of realist painter Thomas Eakins (1844), who is widely considered among the greatest 19th century American artists. He also is known for his work in sculpture, and with photography in the art studio. He painted hundreds of portraits, placing his subjects in unusual outside settings. He is also remembered for his landscapes, and human figure studies, which he emphasized during his tenure as an instructor and later director at the Pennsylvania Academy. Perhaps one of Eakins’ most well-known paintings is The Swimming Hole (1884-1885), depicting a common 19th century activity. Art historians consider a masterpiece.