Thomas Eakins Quotes
July 25, 1844 – June 25, 1916
More Thomas Eakins Quotes
When a man paints a naked woman he gives her less than poor Nature did. I can conceive of few circumstances wherein I would have to paint a woman naked, but if I did I would not mutilate her for double the money. She is the most beautiful thing there is except a naked man, but I never saw a study of one exhibited.
Thomas Eakins— Letter to his father, Benjamin Eakins (1867), quoted in Lloyd Goodrich, Thomas Eakins: His Life and Work (1933)
A teacher can do very little for a pupil and should only be thankful if he don't hinder him, and the greater the master, mostly the less he can say.
Thomas Eakins— Letter to Benjamin Eakins (1869-11-29)
As some of you know, I some years ago a few painted a picture of Mr. Whitman. I began in the usual way, but soon found that the ordinary methods wouldn't do that technique, rules and traditions would have to be thrown aside; that before all else, he was to be treated as a man, whatever became of what are commonly called the principles of art.
Thomas Eakins— Testimonial dinner, Camden NJ, for Walt Whitman on his seventy-second birthday (1891-05-31)
I taught in the Academy from the opening of the schools until I was turned out, a period much longer than I should have permitted myself to remain there. My honors are misunderstanding, persecution and neglect, enhanced because unsought.
Thomas Eakins— Letter to Harrison Morris (1894-04-23)
I have never discovered that the nude could be studied in any way except the way I have adopted. All the muscles must be pointed out. To do this all the drapery must be removed.
Thomas Eakins— Said to art critic Riter Fitzgerald, who quoted Eakins in an article in the Philadelphia Item (1895); from Sylvan Schendler, Eakins (1967), ch. 10
Strain your brain more than your eye... You can copy a thing to a certain limit. Then you must use intellect.
Thomas Eakins— Advice to his art students; quoted in Lloyd Goodrich, Thomas Eakins (1933)
I never knew of but one artist, and that's Tom Eakins, who could resist the temptation to see what they think ought to be rather than what is.
Thomas Eakins— Walt Whitman (1888-04-16), said in conversation with Horace Traubel and quoted by Traubel in With Walt Whitman in Camden (1906), vol. I
