Artwork
Drifting
Drifting is an unspecified painting by the American Impressionist artist Thomas Eakins. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
Drifting is a marine painting executed by Thomas Eakins in 1875, placing the work within the artist’s early period and the marine genre.
Drifting is a marine painting executed by Thomas Eakins in 1875, placing the work within the artist’s early period and the marine genre. The date 1875 is recorded in both the artwork’s catalogue entry and the museum’s metadata. The painting has been part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., since its acquisition, and remains on view there. Its provenance reflects continuous ownership by the institution, with no documented change of hands.
The painting Drifting, created by Thomas Eakins in 1875, is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The institution serves as the current location for this marine art piece. The provided records do not list a specific accession number or detail any past exhibitions for the work.
Overview
Thomas Eakins's Drifting, completed in 1875, presents a serene marine vista. This painting, an early example from the American realist, reflects an engagement with the visual principles of American Impressionism. It is currently held within the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork depicts a busy harbor under a soft, pale sky that nearly merges with the water, creating an atmosphere of tranquility. At the composition's core, a large, multi-masted ship remains stationary. Numerous smaller sailboats populate the surrounding waters, positioned both near the shore and further out, contributing to the scene's quiet activity.
Technique & Style
Eakins, known for his precise studies, meticulously rendered the play of light across the vessels. He focused on how illumination strikes the boats, creating contrasts between brighter and darker areas. This approach effectively delineates the forms of the sails and hulls, showcasing the artist's realist attention to detail while exploring the atmospheric and light-focused concerns associated with American Impressionism.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Cowperthwait Eakins (; July 25, 1844 – June 25, 1916) was an American realist painter, photographer, sculptor, and fine arts educator.
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