Sketch for The Chess Players 

"Sketch for The Chess Players" is a preparatory study for one of Thomas Eakins' most famous paintings, "The Chess Players." This oil sketch depicts the head and shoulders of one of the chess players, likely Dr. Benjamin H. Gross, in a dark, intimate setting. Eakins' use of loose brushstrokes and a dark palette contribute to a sense of realism and immediacy, while focusing on the sitter's thoughtful expression. Eakins, a master of American realist painting, is known for his unflinching portrayal of everyday life. This sketch provides a glimpse into his creative process and artistic vision.