Study for 'The Banjo Player'
1900 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil sketch is a study for Thomas Eakins' more finished work depicting a young African American man playing a banjo while seated on a chair. It exhibits the artist's characteristic focus on anatomical structure and dramatic lighting through loose, expressive brushwork.
Did you know?
Thomas Eakins was known for his rigorous anatomical studies and often utilized photography to assist in his compositions. This particular study highlights his interest in capturing the dignity and concentration of his subjects, departing from the typical caricatures of African Americans often found in the art of that era.
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Study for 'The Banjo Player'
Thomas Eakins, 1900
