Boy Reclining 

Thomas Eakins, a prominent figure in American realism, made this oil painting on canvas, titled 'Boy Reclining'. Eakins wasn't just interested in what he saw, but also in how things were made. Here, the artist is making a statement about the role of observation and skill in art. The materiality of paint is crucial. Notice how Eakins builds up the layers, creating a sense of depth and volume, and how the brushstrokes create a feeling of spontaneity, almost as if the scene was captured in a fleeting moment. This isn't just about depicting a nude form, it's about celebrating the act of seeing, and the craft of painting itself. Eakins, with his deep understanding of human anatomy and perspective, elevates the mundane to the monumental. By paying attention to the materials and making, we can see that art is not just about the finished product, but also about the process of creation, the skill of the artist, and the cultural values that shape artistic practice.