The range of Thomas Eakins’ (1844-1916) work is dazzling - handsome sporting scenes (sculling, swimming, baseball, boxing..), dramatic historical tableaux, psychologically incisive portraits, as well as sculptures and scientifically astute experiments with photography. His influence as both artist and teacher permeates American art history. This revisionist study of his life and work, based on extensive and newly discovered primary source materials aims to confirm the brilliance of his work or his importance to art history. It attempts to answer many of the questions that have long surrounded Eakins, and sets out to provide an unidealized evaluation of his strong-willed character and his vibrant art.