The Champion Single Sculls (Max Schmitt in a Single Scull)

Thomas Eakins

1871 · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

Returning to Philadelphia from Europe in 1870, Eakins began a series of representations of the sport of sculling, a subject for which he is uniquely identified. This is the first major work in that series of paintings and watercolors. It is believed to commemorate the victory of Max Schmitt (1843–1900), an attorney and skilled amateur rower, in an important race on the Schuylkill River in October 1870. Also an avid rower, Eakins depicted himself pulling the oars of a scull in the middle distance.

Artist

Thomas Eakins

Date

1871

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Purchase, The Alfred N. Punnett Endowment Fund and George D. Pratt Gift, 1934