“Salutat” is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Thomas Eakins in 1898. Representing the Realism art movement, the genre painting measures 101 x 126.4 cm and is housed at the Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork depicts a bare-chested male figure, dressed in boxing trunks and shoes, raising his arm in a gesture of salutation, facing away from the viewer towards an enthusiastic audience. The boxer, with muscles visibly defined, exudes a sense of triumph and respect. Surrounding him are other individuals, presumably involved in the boxing match, including a man holding a bucket, possibly signifying the preparation or aftermath of the bout. The spectators, dressed in suits, display various expressions of admiration, cheer, and engagement, highlighting the societal fascination with sports and physical prowess during the era. Eakins’ meticulous attention to anatomical detail and the realistic portrayal of human interaction emphasize the artist’s dedication to capturing the authenticity of the scene. The warm, earthy tones of the painting unify the composition, creating a cohesive and immersive visual experience.
