The Biglin Brothers Racing 1873

Thomas Eakins made "The Biglin Brothers Racing" with oil on canvas. It seems a straightforwardly ‘painterly’ choice. But consider this: Eakins was deeply interested in photography and, more broadly, the mechanics of vision. The texture of the paint here gives a sense of realness to the scene. Look closely, and you can almost feel the weight of the water, the way the wooden shell cuts through the surface. But it’s not just about realism. Eakins captures the intense labor of the rowers, their bodies engaged in repetitive, strenuous work. Rowing, in the late 19th century, was becoming a popular spectacle, a form of entertainment. The Biglin brothers, with their matching outfits and synchronized movements, are almost like machines themselves, pushing their bodies to the limit for the sake of sport and competition. And Eakins, with his careful observation and skillful technique, elevates this scene of physical exertion to the level of high art. It’s a powerful reminder that even the most ordinary activities can reveal something profound about the human condition, and the relationship between labor and leisure.