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Annie C. Lochrey Husson (Mrs. Louis Husson) by Eakins, Thomas

Eakins, Thomas · c. 1905

Annie C. Lochrey Husson (Mrs. Louis Husson), painted by American artist Thomas Eakins around 1905, has a surprising history for such a serene portrait. This oil on canvas, now in a public collection, was once declared a forgery.

Eakins was renowned for his meticulous realism, capturing his subjects with an unidealized gaze. Look at the subtle light in her eyes and the precise folds of her high-necked blouse, demonstrating his masterful attention to detail.

The confusion arose because this painting was mistaken for another, very similar work by Eakins. For a time, it vanished from public record, only to be re-examined and authenticated after thorough research. Its re-emergence solidified its place in Eakins's later oeuvre.

It’s a quiet testament to the complexities of art authentication and the enduring value of careful scholarship.

Details

He was famous for his unflinching realism, especially in his portraits.
He was famous for his unflinching realism, especially in his portraits.
It was confused with another, similar painting that was also by Eakins.
It was confused with another, similar painting that was also by Eakins.
The deep, dark background isolates the sitter, drawing the viewer's attention to her and creating a sense of intimacy.
The deep, dark background isolates the sitter, drawing the viewer's attention to her and creating a sense of intimacy.
Transcript

This portrait was painted by American artist Thomas Eakins around 1905. He was famous for his unflinching realism, especially in his portraits. The painting itself was at the heart of a strange, quiet mystery. This version was once declared a forgery and vanished from public view. It was confused with another, similar painting that was also by Eakins. After careful study, its true authenticity was finally re-established.