Study for Rail Shooting from a Punt c. 1874

This study by Thomas Eakins, dated circa 1874, depicts a scene of two men in a punt, with one firing a gun while the other pushes the boat. The work is a charcoal drawing, exhibiting Eakins's fascination with anatomy and movement, which is evident in the figure’s realistic postures. Eakins's work often focused on everyday activities, particularly those connected to sport and the outdoors, and this work exemplifies his interest in depicting the realities of American life. The drawing captures the intense moment of the hunt, highlighting the precision and skill required for this activity. This work is characteristic of Eakins's realist style, where he attempted to render figures and scenes with scientific accuracy, emphasizing the natural world.