Columbus in Prison 

Thomas Eakins’ portrays Christopher Columbus imprisoned, using oil on canvas. The image is striking for its stark departure from the glorification of Columbus prevalent in 19th-century America. Instead of depicting him as a heroic explorer, Eakins presents a subdued, contemplative figure, reflecting perhaps on the consequences of his voyages. This choice likely speaks to Eakins' broader social critique. He was an artist often at odds with the conservative art establishment of his time. Columbus's imprisonment wasn't a common subject in American art, and it challenges the dominant narrative of progress and discovery that was often used to justify westward expansion and the displacement of indigenous peoples. To fully understand Eakins' artistic choices, one might delve into biographical material, the history of American art academies, and critical texts on the representation of historical figures. In doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of art as a product of specific cultural and institutional forces.