Portrait of Lillian Hammit 1888

Thomas Eakins painted this portrait of Lillian Hammit using oil on canvas. Eakins's technique is rooted in realism, with a focus on capturing the subject's likeness and character through careful observation and skillful rendering of form and light. The materiality of oil paint lends itself well to Eakins's artistic goals. Its rich, viscous texture allows for subtle gradations of tone and color, enabling him to create a convincing illusion of three-dimensionality on the flat surface of the canvas. Notice how the brushstrokes are visible in certain areas, adding a sense of immediacy and vitality to the composition. Eakins's choice of oil paint reflects a long tradition of academic painting, dating back to the Renaissance. However, his approach to portraiture is distinctly modern, marked by a commitment to portraying his subjects with honesty and psychological depth. He sought to capture not just their physical appearance, but also their inner lives and social context. This approach blurs the line between fine art and a kind of sociological study, emphasizing the importance of understanding the world in which the subjects lived.