The artwork, titled “The Oarsmen (The Schreiber Brothers),” was created by artist Thomas Eakins in the year 1874. Rendered in oil on canvas and measuring 61 by 91.4 centimeters, this piece aligns with the Realism art movement and fits within the genre painting classification. It is currently housed in the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
The painting portrays two oarsmen, presumably the Schreiber brothers, engaged in rowing their boat along a calm body of water. They are depicted in great detail, demonstrating Eakins’ mastery in capturing human anatomy and movement. The oarsmen are positioned prominently in the foreground, bathed in natural light which accentuates their physical effort and coordination. The scene is set against the backdrop of a solid stone structure, perhaps a bridge or a dock, with lush greenery visible in the distance. The water’s surface reflects the boat and the oarsmen, adding a sense of tranquility to the composition. Eakins employs a realistic approach, emphasizing the authenticity and the physicality of the subjects within their serene environment.
