Mending the Net 1881

Thomas Eakins made 'Mending the Net' using oil on canvas. Eakins was known for his interest in realism, and this work is no exception. The rough canvas texture is visible beneath the layers of paint, adding a sense of authenticity. Eakins captured a scene of everyday labor in a coastal community, showing a group of fishermen repairing their nets. The work has a strong sense of materiality, not just in the depiction of the nets themselves, but also the landscape. The act of mending speaks to the hard work and skill involved in fishing, and the necessary maintenance to make it a viable way of life. In this way, Eakins elevates a scene of manual labor to a subject worthy of artistic attention. By focusing on the materials and processes of everyday life, Eakins blurs the lines between fine art and craft, challenging viewers to consider the value and dignity of labor.