The artwork “Portrait of Professor Benjamin H. Rand” is an oil painting on canvas executed by Thomas Eakins in 1874. This realism genre portrait measures 121.92 x 152.4 cm and is housed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR, US.
In the artwork, Professor Benjamin H. Rand is depicted in his study. He is seated at a substantial wooden desk cluttered with various scientific equipment and papers. The professor is focused on his work, exuding an air of intellectual concentration and dedication. His thick beard, spectacles, and formal attire contribute to the scholarly atmosphere. A black cat is perched on the desk, adding a domestic touch to the scene. The meticulous details of the furniture, objects, and lighting all reflect Eakins’ adherence to the realism art movement, portraying an authentic and intimate glimpse into the life of Professor Rand.