Eakins and the Photograph: Works by Thomas Eakins and his Circle in the Collection of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Book by Susan Danly, Cheryl Leibold

Is controversy over the depiction of nudity in art photography a recent development? Apparently not, as evidenced by a fascinating catalog of the rarely published Charles Bregler collection-a volume devoted to the art, scientific, record, and candid photography of Philadelphia artist and teacher Eakins. His studies of motion have generally received more attention than his artistic photographs, but a stable of Eakins's scholars has set this oversight to rights through an examination of his work, his collaborative efforts with students, and the output of his wife, Susan MacDowell Eakins. The very high quality illustrations include 16 tritones, 52 duotones, and 173 photographs. A handsome and scholarly offering that is highly recommended for American art and photography collections; for more general references on Eakins, see John Wilmerding's Thomas Eakins (LJ 2/1/94) and William Innes Homer's Thomas Eakins: His Life and Art (LJ 2/1/93).
Kathleen Eagen Johnson, Historic Hudson Valley, Tarrytown, N.Y.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.