Thomas Eakins was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1844. Between 1866 and 1870 he traveled to europe to study under Jean-Leon Gerome and L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts.

Having his own classical skills reinforced, he scientifically structured his paintings with mathmatically precise perspective and unrivaled control of lighting effects and atmospheric detail.

Eakin's interest in the dynamics of the human form in space lead to a special photographic study working with Edward Muybridge on animal and human locomotion.

As a teacher Eakins was known for his bent on having the human form displayed in all it's glory. Once while teaching a life drawing class of female art students he removed the g-string on the male model.

Eccentric personality differences eventually lead to his dismissal from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.