Knitting c. 1882 - 1886

Thomas Eakins made this plaster relief sculpture, Knitting, sometime in the late 19th century. The choice of plaster is important. It’s a material that allows for intricate detail, as you can see in the woman's dress and the delicate rendering of her hands and face. Plaster is also a relatively inexpensive material, often used for studies or models before a final work is cast in bronze. In this case, however, the plaster itself is the final work. Eakins has taken a domestic scene, elevated it through his artistic skill, and imbued the act of knitting with significance. The work involved in knitting is a labor of love, and Eakins seems to be celebrating the quiet dedication of the knitter. He invites us to consider the value of these often overlooked, traditionally feminine crafts. By immortalizing this everyday act in plaster, Eakins bridges the gap between high art and craft, suggesting that both are worthy of our attention and respect.