The artwork titled “Sketch for Cowboys in the Badlands” was created by Thomas Eakins in 1888 and belongs to the Realism art movement. It is classified within the genre of sketch and study.
The artwork portrays a cowboy standing next to a horse in a relaxed, natural setting. The cowboy is dressed in traditional attire, including a wide-brimmed hat, and is seen adjusting or securing the saddle on the horse. The use of muted, earthy tones gives the scene an authentic and realistic feel, characteristic of the Realism movement. The succinct brushstrokes and focused composition suggest that this piece served as a preliminary study for a larger, more detailed work, showcasing Eakins’ keen eye for detail and his adept skill in capturing the essence of everyday life in the American West.
