The Pair-Oared Shell

Currently not on view

The Pair-Oared Shell

1872

Thomas Eakins (American, 1844–1916)

Eakins was an oarsman himself, and when he returned from his studies in Paris in 1870 he began a series of paintings on the modern sport of rowing. In 1872, he befriended the celebrated John and Bernard (Barney) Biglin when they came to Philadelphia to compete for the world championship of pair-oared shells. Eakins painted them repeatedly over the next two years. Here, the brothers are shown practicing on the Schuylkill River in the early evening, in the shadow of the old Columbia Railroad Bridge.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Pair-Oared Shell

Date:

1872

Artist:

Thomas Eakins (American, 1844–1916)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

24 x 36 inches (61 x 91.4 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. Thomas Eakins and Miss Mary Adeline Williams, 1929

Accession Number:

1929-184-35

Geography:

Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view