Singing a Pathetic Song
1881 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
An oil painting on canvas depicting a musical trio, featuring a woman singing while holding sheet music accompanied by a cellist and a pianist in a dimly lit domestic interior. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
Did you know?
Thomas Eakins was known for his relentless dedication to realism, often using his own students and family members as models in his studio. This work reflects his deep interest in capturing the nuanced expressions and domestic rituals of Philadelphia's intellectual middle class in the late 19th century. The painting is notable for its careful study of light and the serious, almost somber concentration of the three musicians.
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Singing a Pathetic Song
Thomas Eakins, 1881
