The artwork, titled “The Pair Oared Shell,” was created by artist Thomas Eakins in the year 1872. Crafted with oil on canvas, the piece is a quintessential example of Realism within the genre painting category. Measuring 91.44 x 60.96 cm, it is currently housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
In the artwork, Eakins presents a vivid scene of two rowers in a sleek, narrow boat, gliding over calm waters. Dominated by earthy tones and the subdued light of a setting or rising sun, the composition captures the poignant moment of human endeavor against a backdrop of nature. The massive stone structure looming to the right adds a dramatic contrast, emphasizing the interplay between human activity and monumental stillness. The fine details and realistic depiction of the rowers and their movements underscore Eakins’ meticulous technique and his commitment to portraying the authenticity of the moment.
