Mrs. Mary Arthur

Thomas Eakins

Created:
Movement:
1900
Realism
key Notes:
Realism, Intimate Portraiture
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Dimensions:
24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mrs. Mary Arthur" is a portrait painted by American artist Thomas Eakins in 1900. The painting depicts Mary Arthur, the wife of Eakins' friend and fellow artist, and is characterized by Eakins' signature realism and attention to detail. Eakins employed a muted color palette and a strong sense of light and shadow to convey depth and form. The composition reflects Eakins' interest in the psychological aspects of portraiture, capturing the subject's introspective demeanor. The work is part of Eakins' later period, during which he focused on more intimate and personal subjects. The current location of the painting is unknown.

Description of the work:

"Mrs. Mary Arthur" by Thomas Eakins, created in 1900, is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the subject in a seated position. The composition features Mrs. Arthur dressed in a dark, elegant gown, which contrasts with the lighter tones of the background. Eakins employs a naturalistic approach, emphasizing the texture of the fabric and the play of light on the subject's face and hands. The use of a muted color palette enhances the somber yet dignified mood of the painting. The brushwork is precise, particularly in the rendering of facial features, conveying a sense of realism and depth. The background is relatively simple, allowing the viewer's focus to remain on Mrs. Arthur's expression and posture. The overall composition reflects Eakins' commitment to portraying his subjects with psychological insight and technical skill.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mrs. Mary Arthur