A Negress 

Thomas Eakins painted this oil on canvas, titled “A Negress,” in the late 19th century in the United States. The term used in the title may strike us today as outdated. The image presents a woman of African descent. Eakins’ portraits often engaged with realism, departing from romanticized depictions. During this period, the representation of African Americans in art was complex, reflecting the racial and social dynamics of the time. Eakins' choice to paint this subject suggests an interest in depicting the diversity of American society. Scholars might explore how Eakins positioned his work in relation to the abolitionist movement. Was he challenging or perpetuating prevailing racial stereotypes? To understand Eakins’ intentions, researchers could delve into his personal writings, reviews of his exhibitions, and the social context of the late 19th-century art world.