Thomas Eakins and J. Laurie Wallace 1883

Editor: Here we have a gelatin silver print by Thomas Eakins, from 1883, titled "Thomas Eakins and J. Laurie Wallace." It depicts two nude men, posed on what looks like a beach. The grainy texture and stark monochrome palette give it such a raw feel. What visual elements stand out to you the most? Curator: Primarily, it is the contrasting distribution of light and shadow across the bodies which captivates. Eakins is known for the ways in which he constructed images with intention. Observe how the composition is governed by a clear awareness of the relationship between the forms of the figures, the positioning of their bodies relative to each other, and the way their postures define a space. Editor: It’s interesting you say that; I initially saw them as awkwardly posed. Could you elaborate on how the forms relate? Curator: Consider the verticality and asymmetry. One figure stands tall, arms raised, creating a stark, almost defiant, silhouette. The other is in contrapposto, the torso a twisted 's' shape. The way the two men intersect is that their bodies contrast with each other, establishing an interesting dialogue between states of ease and states of tension. Eakins also appears interested in the shapes made by negative space. Did you observe how it creates additional depth? Editor: I do now! I didn’t appreciate it fully before. Thanks for pointing out those formal relationships, I see it more clearly now. Curator: Art invites us to slow down, to truly observe and consider the elements. We come away from this with an heightened appreciation of how intentional the placement is, not only how these forms create compositional balance, but evoke so much emotion too.