Artwork

Mrs. Gilbert L. Parker

Mrs. Gilbert L. Parker, by Thomas Eakins, oil, 1910
Mrs. Gilbert L. Parker, by Thomas Eakins, oil, 1910

Mrs. Gilbert L. Parker is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Thomas Eakins. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Eakins' 1910 oil painting, Mrs. Gilbert L. Parker, is a portrait of a seated woman. The work is characterized by its realistic and detailed representation.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted wearing a dark coat and white shirt, with a serious expression and direct gaze. Her features are rendered in a straightforward and unidealized manner, suggesting a focus on capturing her likeness.

Technique & Style

Eakins employed chiaroscuro to create depth and contrast, with a dark background that highlights the subject. The painting's realistic style and attention to detail reflect Eakins' exacting approach to portraiture.

History & Provenance

The portrait is now held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It is an example of American portraiture from the early 20th century, although its style is more closely associated with Eakins' realist tendencies than the prevailing Impressionist movement.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Eakins

Artist

Thomas Eakins

Thomas Cowperthwait Eakins (; July 25, 1844 – June 25, 1916) was an American realist painter, photographer, sculptor, and fine arts educator.