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

Thomas Eakins American
1871
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 763
Returning to Philadelphia from Europe in 1870, Eakins began a series of representations of the sport of sculling, a subject with which he is uniquely identified. This is the first major work in that series of paintings and watercolors, and the one that launched his professional career. It is believed to commemorate the victory of Max Schmitt (1843–1900), a school friend, 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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Champion Single Sculls (Max Schmitt in a Single Scull)
  • Artist: Thomas Eakins (American, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1844–1916 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
  • Date: 1871
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 32 1/4 x 46 1/4 in. (81.9 x 117.5 cm)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Alfred N. Punnett Endowment Fund and George D. Pratt Gift, 1934
  • Object Number: 34.92
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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