The Honorable John A. Thorton 1903

Here is a painting by Thomas Eakins of The Honorable John A. Thornton. I imagine Eakins moving the paint around, wiping it away, and then returning to build it back up again. The painting feels like it has emerged through this process of layering and correction, with Eakins probably seeking to capture something of his subject’s inner character through close observation. Look at the earthy tones of brown, ochre, and muted greens. These hues create a somber and contemplative mood. I feel as though I can see a dialogue going on between the artist and the sitter, full of pauses, silences and subtle shifts in expression. The way Eakins models Thornton’s face with light and shadow is so gentle. It really speaks to the nuances of human emotion and personality. Thinking about Eakins's wider body of work, you can really see how he was part of an ongoing conversation about realism and the human condition.