Thomas Eakins (1844-1916)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
One of the finest realist painters of his time. A master of the art of the human figure. His work included portraits and scenes of sporting and medical events such as The Gross Clinic. A lifelong Philadelphian, he had his home & studios here on Mt. Vernon St.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Thomas Eakins spent his life in Philadelphia painting the people and pastimes of his city with an almost scientific devotion to anatomy and light, from rowers on the Schuylkill to the unflinching operating-theater canvas The Gross Clinic. From the row house and studios on Mount Vernon Street he built a reputation as one of America's foremost realists, even as his insistence on studying the nude body from life scandalized polite society. His portraits and sporting scenes now anchor the American realist tradition.
Why it matters
Eakins pushed American art toward honest, observed realism at a time when sentimental idealization ruled, making Philadelphia a serious center of native painting.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.2 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center1.2 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center1.3 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center1.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Bridgette Mayer1.4 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall1.4 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Rocky Steps0.7 mi away
- Philly Gun Range0.7 mi away · North Percy Street
- The Universal Sphere0.7 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.9 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.9 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.0 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Burger King1.2 mi away
- Dunkin'1.3 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory1.3 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe1.3 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Time & Peace1.3 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca1.3 mi away
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.8 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.9 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.9 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.9 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.9 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Thomas Eakins
Themes & tags
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