The artwork titled “Male Nudes in a Seated Tug of War” was created by Thomas Eakins in 1884. It belongs to the Realism art movement and measures 11.9 x 9.5 cm. This photographic piece is housed at the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan, US.
The artwork depicts a group of male figures engaged in a game of tug of war, seated on the grass. The scene is set outdoors amidst natural greenery, emphasizing the physical exertion and camaraderie among the participants. The figures are depicted entirely in the nude, which highlights the muscular tension and dynamics of the game, contributing to the realism for which Eakins is renowned. The composition captures a moment of vigorous effort and emphasizes the aesthetic and anatomical study of the male form in motion. The photograph’s natural lighting and setting further enhance the sense of realism and immediacy inherent in the scene.
