The artwork titled “Drawing the Seine” was created by Thomas Eakins in 1882. Executed in watercolor on paper, this piece embodies the Realism art movement and falls within the landscape genre. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located in Philadelphia, PA, US.
In the artwork, Eakins captures a serene riverside scene where workers are engaged in a methodical and laborious task along the Seine River. The brushwork details the lush, grassy terrain and the dynamic, yet subdued, movement of the river. The workers and their tools suggest an authentic depiction of everyday life, which is characteristic of Realism. The muted color palette, combined with the intricate representation of the sky and water, evokes a tranquil yet industrious atmosphere. The composition, with its keen attention to the interaction between humans and nature, highlights Eakins’ masterful ability to portray both the physical and emotional landscapes of his subjects.
