Mending the Net 1881

"Mending the Net" is an oil painting by American realist artist Thomas Eakins, created in 1881. The painting depicts a group of men working on a large fishing net on a grassy riverbank. Eakins' interest in depicting everyday life and the working class is evident in this scene, as he captures the men's physical exertion and the details of their labor. The painting is known for its realistic depiction of light and shadow, and for its subtle use of color, creating a sense of naturalism. Located at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this painting is considered a significant example of Eakins' early style.