Maybelle 1898

Editor: This is Thomas Eakins' oil on canvas portrait, Maybelle, painted in 1898. Her gaze and the shadows create a surprisingly intimate mood. What strikes you most about this work? Curator: Well, for me, Eakins always manages to capture something beyond just the likeness. He sees into them, doesn’t he? I mean, look at the light here, how it grazes her face. Makes you wonder what she's pondering. Ever feel like a portrait catches a version of you that even *you* didn't know existed? Editor: That's interesting... I hadn’t thought about the idea of capturing a hidden self. Her eyes *are* so intense! Is that realism? Curator: I think it’s realism pushed further. Eakins was fascinated by anatomy and observation. And think of his use of color. See the warm earth tones in the background? They aren’t just there to be pretty; they set a psychological tone, too. Makes the light on Maybelle's skin practically glow, don't you think? Makes her seem almost, dare I say, *vulnerable*? Editor: I do see the vulnerability in her face now! I think it's how her expression is thoughtful and also slightly uncertain. And it is interesting how he has created a naturalistic effect using realism with those earth tones! I would never have guessed all that from simply glancing at it! Curator: Art’s a bit like a good friend, isn't it? The more time you spend, the more it reveals. Now, I am looking forward to sharing more artwork together! Editor: Absolutely. Thanks for shedding light on Eakins’ Maybelle!