Sketch for the Crucifixion 1880

This oil painting, “Sketch for the Crucifixion,” is a study by American realist artist Thomas Eakins, created in 1880. It depicts a figure's back with outstretched arms, possibly a study for a larger work. The use of muted tones and the emphasis on the body’s form are characteristic of Eakins' realist style. His focus on anatomy and naturalism makes this sketch both poignant and evocative, hinting at the physicality and emotional weight of the subject matter.