“Portrait of William H. MacDowell,” executed by Thomas Eakins in 1891, is an oil on canvas painting belonging to the Realism art movement. This portrait, measuring 71.12 by 55.88 cm, is housed in the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA, United States.
The artwork vividly captures the likeness of William H. MacDowell, rendered with meticulously realistic detail emblematic of the Realism movement. The subject, an elderly man with a weathered face and a flowing grey beard, is positioned against a textured, earthy-toned background that adds depth and contrast to the painting. Eakins’ skillful brushwork brings out the rich textures of the man’s hair and beard, as well as the folds of his dark attire, offering a profound sense of character and presence. The man’s intense gaze and slightly furrowed brows convey a sense of wisdom and contemplation, inviting the viewer into a quiet yet powerful dialogue with the subject.
