Thomas Eakins: His Life and Art

by William Innes Homer

The full range of Thomas Eakins's art -- lively sporting scenes, psychologically incisive portraits, dramatic historical tableaux, as well as numerous sculptures and innovative photographs -- is explored in revealing detail in this outstanding critical biography. The first edition of Thomas His Life and Art, published in 1992, was selected by Choice as One of the best art books of the year. This second edition of what has become the standard book on the artist adds an appendix discussing recent discoveries about Eakins's use of photography and a bibliographical addendum. Professor Homer explains Eakins's working methods through telling comparisons between his paintings and the photographs and drawings that were part of his creative process. Drawing on previously undiscovered primary sources, Homer paints a nuanced portrait of the career of this controversial artist, who was too frequently seen as a victim of the Establishment. The result is this landmark in Eakins studies, which helps to demythologize Eakins without diminishing his brilliance or importance.

276 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Frank McAdam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Eakins: His Life and Art by William Innes Homer is a fair and balanced biography that makes no attempt to whitewash the artist's numerous shortcomings. In well written prose, Homer narrates the major incidents in Eakins's life and discusses in depth all his major paintings as well as the preparatory sketches that preceded them. The descriptions of these works - accompanied by high quality reproductions of the pieces themselves - are insightful and display a thorough understanding of nineteenth century American art.