Photo of wrestlers taken in 1899 by Thomas Eakins.
"While studying in Paris, Eakins realized that he learned more about the human figure by observing and sketching his classmates wrestling together than he did from drawing antique casts or posed models.
"Accomplished draftsman, anatomist, and artist Thomas Eakins (1844-1916) was criticized during his career for his insistence on studying and painting from the nude. Eakins believed in a naturalistic approach to art and made no compromises with the mores of his time. He became the first artist to depict masculine (now called macho) sphere of sports and is now acclaimed as one of America’s greatest realist painters. "
[John Esten in his book "Thomas Eakins: The Absolute Male" NY: Universe, (2002)]
Photo of wrestlers taken in 1899 by Thomas Eakins.
"While studying in Paris, Eakins realized that he learned more about the human figure by observing and sketching his classmates wrestling together than he did from drawing antique casts or posed models.
"Accomplished draftsman, anatomist, and artist Thomas Eakins (1844-1916) was criticized during his career for his insistence on studying and painting from the nude. Eakins believed in a naturalistic approach to art and made no compromises with the mores of his time. He became the first artist to depict masculine (now called macho) sphere of sports and is now acclaimed as one of America’s greatest realist painters. "
[John Esten in his book "Thomas Eakins: The Absolute Male" NY: Universe, (2002)]