“Provocative…. McFeely sensitively chronicles the maturation of this enigmatic Philadelphian.”Matthew Price, New York Times Book Review Thomas Eakins painted two worlds in nineteenth-century America: one sure of its valuesstatesmen, scientists, and philosophersand one that offered an uncertain vision of the changing times. From the shadow of his mother’s depression to his fraught identity as a married man with homosexual inclinations, to his failure to sell his work in his day, Eakins was a man marked equally by passion and melancholy.In this enlightening examination of Eakins’s defining artistic moments and key relationshipswith wife Susan MacDowell, with subject and friend Walt Whitman, and with several leading scientists of his timeWilliam S. McFeely sheds light on the motivations and desires of a founder of American realism.
Dive into the captivating and often turbulent life of Thomas Eakins, one of America's most influential and enigmatic realist painters, with William S. McFeely's compelling biography, "Portrait: The Life of Thomas Eakins." This meticulously researched and insightful paperback, published by W. W. Norton & Company, offers a profound exploration of the artist's personal struggles, artistic triumphs, and lasting legacy. More than just a recounting of facts, McFeely's biography delves into the complex psyche of Eakins, a man driven by both unwavering passion and deep-seated melancholy. Explore the influences that shaped his art, from the shadow of his mother's depression to the societal constraints of 19th-century America. Uncover the inner turmoil of a married man grappling with homosexual inclinations, a conflict that undoubtedly colored his artistic perspective and contributed to the unique intimacy found in his depictions of the human form. McFeely masterfully weaves together Eakins's artistic milestones with the significant relationships that defined his life. Gain a deeper understanding of his bond with his wife, Susan MacDowell Eakins, herself a talented painter who often took a backseat to her husband's career. Explore the fascinating dynamic between Eakins and the iconic poet Walt Whitman, a friendship that defied societal norms and celebrated the beauty of the human body. Furthermore, the book illuminates Eakins's connections with leading scientists of his time, revealing how their pursuit of knowledge and understanding influenced his own artistic endeavors. Through McFeely's engaging narrative, "Portrait: The Life of Thomas Eakins" reveals a man ahead of his time, whose commitment to realism often clashed with the prevailing artistic conventions. Eakins's dedication to portraying the human body with unflinching honesty, including his use of nude studies, sparked controversy and ultimately led to his dismissal from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, an institution he had once championed. Despite facing professional setbacks and struggling to gain recognition during his lifetime, Eakins remained steadfast in his artistic vision. This biography not only sheds light on Eakins's artistic process and techniques but also examines the cultural and societal landscape in which he worked. Discover how Eakins challenged Victorian-era prudery and embraced a more scientific and objective approach to art. Understand the significance of his portraits of statesmen, scientists, and everyday individuals, which captured the essence of a rapidly changing America. "Portrait: The Life of Thomas Eakins" is a must-read for anyone interested in American art, biography, or the complexities of the human condition. McFeely's insightful analysis and compelling storytelling will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Thomas Eakins's artistic genius and the personal struggles that shaped his remarkable life. This 256-page paperback offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to one of America's most important artists. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the life and legacy of Thomas Eakins through this captivating biography.
