“Between Rounds,” an artwork by Thomas Eakins, created between 1898 and 1899, exemplifies the Realism art movement. The medium used for this genre painting is oil on canvas, and it measures 97.15 x 127.31 cm. The painting is housed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, PA, US.
In the artwork, a bustling scene of a boxing match is depicted with meticulous attention to detail. The action takes place within the confines of a boxing ring during a break between rounds, hence the title. Dominating the foreground, a boxer is attended to by his handlers, who are tending to his needs, possibly providing medical attention or coaching him. The vibrant crowd surrounding the ring consists of spectators engrossed in the event, capturing the essence of the public’s engagement in such sporting events during that era. The composition of the painting is balanced, with a combination of dynamic poses and a range of lighting effects that highlight the realism Thomas Eakins is known for. The detailed portrayal of the human form and the intricate representation of the setting reflect Eakins’ profound skill in capturing both the physicality and atmosphere of the moment.