The artwork, titled “William Rush’s Model” and created in 1908 by Thomas Eakins, is an oil on canvas piece that belongs to the Realism art movement. With dimensions of 122.3 x 92.1 cm, this work serves as a sketch and study genre painting.
The artwork features a nude female figure standing in a minimally detailed environment. The subject is depicted with naturalistic accuracy, characteristic of the Realism movement, which focuses on representing subjects truthfully without idealization. The figure appears contemplative, holding an object in her right hand while her left arm rests against an indistinct backdrop. The use of light and shadow accentuates the form of the model, emphasizing the anatomical precision and attention to detail the artist is renowned for. The background is rendered in broad, textured brushstrokes, providing a stark contrast to the finely detailed figure, further drawing the viewer’s attention to the central subject. The subdued color palette and the neutral tones contribute to the serene and introspective mood of the piece.
