The artwork titled “Portrait of Mrs. James W. Crowell” was created by Thomas Eakins between 1870 and 1875. This piece, rendered using oil on canvas, embodies the Realism movement and measures 60.96 x 50.8 cm. It is a portrait genre painting and is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork presents a somber and introspective depiction of Mrs. James W. Crowell. She is portrayed with a realistic and meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of the Realism movement. Her expression is one of deep thought or contemplation, enhanced by the subdued, earthy tones used by Eakins throughout the piece. The background is dark and indistinct, directing the viewer’s attention solely on the subject, thus emphasizing her features and the emotional depth conveyed through her eyes and the set of her lips. The use of light and shadow adds a poignant depth to the painting, further highlighting Eakins’ skill in capturing human emotion and physical detail.