Dialogue by Mark:

Today's Masters' Gallery painting is also a boat...not a whitewater kayak for Karl, but a long rowing boat called a racing scull. This great American masterpiece was painted over 100 years ago by Thomas Eakins. Our Crew Coach of art history, Kim at KidsArt, discovered this painting for us at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The artist Thomas Eakins was born in Philadelphia in 1844. His father was a writing master who made beautiful hand-lettered documents like deeds and diplomas. When young Tom showed talent and interest in art, his Dad encouraged him and helped send him to special art schools.

Eakins learned many skills in order to become a great artist. He was especially interested in anatomy - the way human and animal bodies are put together. He did research on muscles and movement. He even studied at medical schools to learn more.

Eakins was a very careful artist. His pictures were put together slowly, with many sketches and test paintings. A model was placed in the exact pose each day, and Eakin's drawings coud go on for many days. The Biglin brothers, who were famous racers of the time, may have modeled themselves for this portrait...sitting bent over as if they were pulling on the long oars of a boat while Eakins carefully painted. It must have been hard work for both the artist and the model, but it sure was worth it!