Studies for William Rush 1876

Thomas Eakins' "Studies for William Rush" from 1876 is a pencil sketch that captures the artist's keen eye for detail and his interest in historical figures. The drawing features two figures, possibly women, dressed in long gowns. The detail on the left is labeled "Old Lady, Mother maybe of Queen." The drawing is a preparatory work for Eakins' famous painting, "The Writing Master," which depicts the famed American sculptor William Rush, showcasing Eakins' fascination with both art and his native Philadelphia.