Study for The bathhole 1883

Thomas Eakins’s *Study for The Bathhouse* (1883) depicts a group of nude men on a rocky ledge beside a river, some poised to jump into the water. Eakins was known for his realistic depictions of the human form, and this study demonstrates his interest in capturing the movement and anatomy of the body. Eakins frequently utilized photography as a tool to study human anatomy and movement for his paintings. The use of candid poses and naturalistic lighting contributes to the photograph’s realistic style. The image captures a moment of unadulterated naturalism, highlighting the men’s bodies in a casual and candid setting. The image was most likely used as a preliminary sketch for Eakins's larger painting titled *The Bathhouse*, which is now on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.