“Seventy Years Ago,” created by Thomas Eakins in 1877, is a genre painting executed using watercolor and gouache on paper. This artwork, measuring 39.8 x 27.4 cm, is part of the Realism art movement and is currently housed at the Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM) in Princeton, New Jersey, US.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman seated in a chair, engaged in the meticulous task of knitting. The figure is rendered with fine attention to detail, particularly in the texture of her attire and the individual stitches of her knitting. She is dressed in a simple, long dress and a white lace head covering, which suggests humility and modesty. The background features a spinning wheel, which further emphasizes a connection to traditional, domestic activities. The subdued, earthy color palette enhances the serene and contemplative mood of the scene. Through this poignant portrayal, Eakins celebrates the quiet dignity and perseverance of an elder, encapsulating a moment of introspective tranquility from a bygone era.
