Seventy Years Ago 1877

Thomas Eakins created "Seventy Years Ago" using oil on canvas. What I find fascinating about this painting is how it captures a moment in time, and reflects a wider world in transition. On one hand, we have the traditional craft of knitting, a skill passed down through generations. Note the spinning wheel in the background, a tool that would have been essential for preparing the materials. On the other hand, Eakins was working at a time of increasing industrialization. The mass production of textiles was starting to change the landscape of labor and consumption, moving away from craft. Looking closely at the artwork, it is clear that Eakins was interested in portraying not just the likeness of the woman, but also the dignity of her labor and the textures of her craft. Her clothing and surroundings are rendered in a way that feels tactile and real. By paying attention to materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper understanding of the work, and are able to see it as more than just a portrait.