Self-portrait (Thomas Eakins)

A self-portrait, in the context of art history, specifically refers to a depiction of the artist created by the artist themselves. Thomas Eakins (1844-1916), a prominent American realist painter, produced several self-portraits throughout his career. These self-portraits offer insights into Eakins's perception of himself, his artistic development, and the changing societal context in which he lived. They are characterized by their realism, unflinching gaze, and often introspective nature. Eakins's self-portraits tend to avoid idealization and instead present a direct and honest portrayal of his physical appearance and, arguably, his inner state. He frequently depicted himself in everyday clothing, further emphasizing a commitment to depicting reality without artifice. These works are considered significant contributions to the genre of self-portraiture and are valued for their historical and artistic merit in understanding Eakins's oeuvre.