Thomas Eakins: His Life and Art

The full range of Thomas Eakins's art -- lively sporting scenes, psychologically incisive portraits, dramatic historical tableaux, as well as numerous sculptures and innovative photographs -- is explored in revealing detail in this outstanding critical biography. The first edition of Thomas Eakins: His Life and Art, published in 1992, was selected by Choice as One of the best art books of the year. This second edition of what has become the standard book on the artist adds an appendix discussing recent discoveries about Eakins's use of photography and a bibliographical addendum.

Professor Homer explains Eakins's working methods through telling comparisons between his paintings and the photographs and drawings that were part of his creative process. Drawing on previously undiscovered primary sources, Homer paints a nuanced portrait of the career of this controversial artist, who was too frequently seen as a victim of the Establishment. The result is this landmark in Eakins studies, which helps to demythologize Eakins without diminishing his brilliance or importance.