Portraits 

Thomas Eakins created this drawing, titled 'Portraits,' during a time when the human body was both celebrated and scrutinized within the art world. Eakins was deeply committed to realism, portraying the human form with scientific precision and an emotional depth that often challenged the prudish sensibilities of the Victorian era. In his work, we see a move away from idealized forms towards the depiction of real bodies, with their imperfections and unique character. This approach was radical, because in that era, discussions around gender, sexuality, and the body were heavily policed. Eakins' dedication to showing the nude body as it existed was groundbreaking, even as it led to controversy. He once said, "My work is my life," which encapsulates how he used art as a means of personal expression. In its nuanced portrayal of the human form, 'Portraits' invites us to consider our own relationships with our bodies.