The Biglin Brothers Turning the Stake Boat

In The Biglin Brothers Turning the Stake Boat, Eakin uses color to create a sense of space allowing the water to recede, along with volume with the use of shadow. Techniques like these create a sense that this is more realistic than just a painting, but rather a photograph. There is a horizontal axes that is created by the shoreline which allows this piece to be aesthetically pleasing. His ability to capture the movement that is being portrayed in this painting, the long strokes of the rowers and the rhythm of the water, is intriguing; it is almost like one can hear what this scene would sound like if he or she was there. The focal point is the two men closest to the viewer, and more specifically, the deep blue hats that mimic the hue of the flag attached to rear of a boat. Eakins has given this painting a feeling of warmth, with the sun setting, maybe dusk. 


The skill and advancement shown in this painting  allows one to notice that Eakins choices on where to place objects were deliberate. He was aware that by using the techniques he did, that this everyday subject would seem mysterious, satisfying, and even calming. The period of which this painting takes places is debatable. The development of painting strategies, use of shadow and diagonals,  is evident, so one would assume that this is more recent painting. The well planned out composition suggests this to be more modern as well. With that being said, the structure of the boats seems to show that this was depicting a time in the past. There also seems to be a "film" overlaying the piece leading to believe it has an antique vibe. Although this causes some question, his composition poses as a beautiful piece of work.